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Too Close to Touch
Life gets complicated when love turns out to be nothing like you expected - and the woman you want is too close to touch.
Gretchen Kaiser is a workaholic corporate honcho with issues – she’s got daddy issues, she’s got female-executive-in-a-man’s-world issues, and she’s got one night stand issues. What she doesn’t have are love issues. She isn’t looking for it, she doesn’t feel she needs it, and she doesn’t expect to find it…certainly not right under her nose. Kylie O’Brien is the kind of girl who believes in true love and is willing to wait until it shows up at her door. Her best friend Mick would sweep her off her feet given the chance, but Mick doesn’t make Kylie feel the way true love should. And now Kylie has to worry about her new boss – Gretchen Kaiser’s icy reserve makes life as her administrative assistant a challenge. It doesn’t matter one damn bit that Gretchen is extremely attractive with a voice as rich and smooth as melted chocolate. It absolutely doesn’t…
Gretchen Kaiser is a workaholic corporate honcho with issues – she’s got daddy issues, she’s got female-executive-in-a-man’s-world issues, and she’s got one night stand issues. What she doesn’t have are love issues. She isn’t looking for it, she doesn’t feel she needs it, and she doesn’t expect to find it…certainly not right under her nose. Kylie O’Brien is the kind of girl who believes in true love and is willing to wait until it shows up at her door. Her best friend Mick would sweep her off her feet given the chance, but Mick doesn’t make Kylie feel the way true love should. And now Kylie has to worry about her new boss – Gretchen Kaiser’s icy reserve makes life as her administrative assistant a challenge. It doesn’t matter one damn bit that Gretchen is extremely attractive with a voice as rich and smooth as melted chocolate. It absolutely doesn’t…
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
39 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,497 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 11, 2018
I may be Sprinkles, but I'm salty.
Ahead, you'll see many feelings. You've been warned. :)
This certainly had the potential for a fair 4 stars, maybe even five if it kept the delicious momentum of the early segments of the book. And then...GEORGIA BEERS, WHYYYYY???
First, let me start with why I loved it (in the beginning). Gretchen and Kylie's chemistry was SO GOOD. Not to mention I'm already giddy with the sexy boss/employee naughtiness. Gretchen sounded like a dreaaaaammm and I found Kylie relatable and a good match. Actually, their romance is what initially kept this rating from dipping below 3 stars.
The sexiest moment (sexier than the actual sex, even!) was Beers knows what she's doing in the sexual tension department!
This book turned out to be more angsty than I expected, which is fine. However, I was disappointed in my LEAST FAVORITE part of the book:
FUCKING MICK.
**spoilers ahead**
Normally, I'd hide this, too, but I think this should be more visible for anyone curious. Mick's animosity towards Gretchen was already kinda annoying. I mean, she hits on Gretchen, gets kindly brushed off, then has a rude awakening (via phone) soon after. Understandably, Gretchen's bitchiness didn't earn her a friendship. Then, we learn that Mick is mad....because.....she's in love with Kylie. Even though they've been best friends for TWENTY YEARS. THESE WOMEN ARE THIRTY-SEVEN. THEY MET AS TEENAGERS. IN LOVE FOR TWENTY YEARS.
'Sprinkles,' you may ask, 'why so butthurt? Yeah, that's a long time, yet it's not that serious.'
This woman Mick, who is apparently taller than the Empire State Building and stronger than a sabertooth (this will be important later), has been pining over her best friend for years (TWENTY!!!) for...what? They were both single and she flirted with Kylie constantly. I mean, I didn't like her character anyway, so I'm glad it didn't work out. I only mention this to go into the source of my true ire.
She almost rapes Kylie.
No. Just NO.
Kylie was drunk and reasonably upset over Gretchen dating their friend Jori. It was wrong of her to turn the lights off and kiss Mick, pretending she was somebody else. I'll admit that. Doesn't justify Mick FORCING HERSELF on Kylie. I was sick to my stomach as this strong, strong women is using such strength to pin Kylie down against her will, kissing and touching Kylie's breasts . The writing tried mixing in the word "arousal" to muddy the waters and that's pure BS.
Some quotes:
...Kylie felt surrounded. Mick’s size difference had always made her feel sheltered and safe. Now she felt trapped, caught. The combination of fright and arousal scared her even more.
The stimulation of touching Kylie’s body had eclipsed her anger, though that anger was still very present.
“Stop.” Kylie squeezed her eyes shut, her internal battle raging, her mind sobering quickly.
“Mick. Stop it. Please.” Her voice was strong. “Right now.”
She said stop THREE TIMES.
Fuck you, Mick. You don't love her. Love is consensual. Love doesn't rape; it doesn't force. I read this and had to take a break for the night because it disgusted me. I finished the scene, hoping SOMEWHERE they'd address that what Mick did was bottom-line wrong. They did not. Georgia Beers is one of my favorite writers, though I found this quite irresponsible. It's been a decade since she wrote this and I haven't stumbled upon similar content since. Whew.
Later in the book, nothing addresses the heinousness of Mick's actions. Kylie even feels guilty for their friendship breaking. We're shown Mick's perspective later on and she doesn't mention guilt, remorse, or horror about harassing her friend. This story tries to equate Kylie 'leading Mick on' (even though she didn't even realize, not that it matters) to Mick taking what's not hers.
It kinda ruined the rest of the book for me. Don't even get me started on Kylie waking up to Gretchen already inside her. People find different things sexy, buuuuuut nah, I wasn't feeling that, either.
God, maybe I should give it a two instead. We'll see how my mood swings. I wanted to love this book so much, too.
Ahead, you'll see many feelings. You've been warned. :)
This certainly had the potential for a fair 4 stars, maybe even five if it kept the delicious momentum of the early segments of the book. And then...GEORGIA BEERS, WHYYYYY???
First, let me start with why I loved it (in the beginning). Gretchen and Kylie's chemistry was SO GOOD. Not to mention I'm already giddy with the sexy boss/employee naughtiness. Gretchen sounded like a dreaaaaammm and I found Kylie relatable and a good match. Actually, their romance is what initially kept this rating from dipping below 3 stars.
The sexiest moment (sexier than the actual sex, even!) was Beers knows what she's doing in the sexual tension department!
This book turned out to be more angsty than I expected, which is fine. However, I was disappointed in my LEAST FAVORITE part of the book:
FUCKING MICK.
**spoilers ahead**
Normally, I'd hide this, too, but I think this should be more visible for anyone curious. Mick's animosity towards Gretchen was already kinda annoying. I mean, she hits on Gretchen, gets kindly brushed off, then has a rude awakening (via phone) soon after. Understandably, Gretchen's bitchiness didn't earn her a friendship. Then, we learn that Mick is mad....because.....she's in love with Kylie. Even though they've been best friends for TWENTY YEARS. THESE WOMEN ARE THIRTY-SEVEN. THEY MET AS TEENAGERS. IN LOVE FOR TWENTY YEARS.
'Sprinkles,' you may ask, 'why so butthurt? Yeah, that's a long time, yet it's not that serious.'
This woman Mick, who is apparently taller than the Empire State Building and stronger than a sabertooth (this will be important later), has been pining over her best friend for years (TWENTY!!!) for...what? They were both single and she flirted with Kylie constantly. I mean, I didn't like her character anyway, so I'm glad it didn't work out. I only mention this to go into the source of my true ire.
She almost rapes Kylie.
No. Just NO.
Kylie was drunk and reasonably upset over Gretchen dating their friend Jori. It was wrong of her to turn the lights off and kiss Mick, pretending she was somebody else. I'll admit that. Doesn't justify Mick FORCING HERSELF on Kylie. I was sick to my stomach as this strong, strong women is using such strength to pin Kylie down against her will, kissing and touching Kylie's breasts . The writing tried mixing in the word "arousal" to muddy the waters and that's pure BS.
Some quotes:
...Kylie felt surrounded. Mick’s size difference had always made her feel sheltered and safe. Now she felt trapped, caught. The combination of fright and arousal scared her even more.
The stimulation of touching Kylie’s body had eclipsed her anger, though that anger was still very present.
“Stop.” Kylie squeezed her eyes shut, her internal battle raging, her mind sobering quickly.
“Mick. Stop it. Please.” Her voice was strong. “Right now.”
She said stop THREE TIMES.
Fuck you, Mick. You don't love her. Love is consensual. Love doesn't rape; it doesn't force. I read this and had to take a break for the night because it disgusted me. I finished the scene, hoping SOMEWHERE they'd address that what Mick did was bottom-line wrong. They did not. Georgia Beers is one of my favorite writers, though I found this quite irresponsible. It's been a decade since she wrote this and I haven't stumbled upon similar content since. Whew.
Later in the book, nothing addresses the heinousness of Mick's actions. Kylie even feels guilty for their friendship breaking. We're shown Mick's perspective later on and she doesn't mention guilt, remorse, or horror about harassing her friend. This story tries to equate Kylie 'leading Mick on' (even though she didn't even realize, not that it matters) to Mick taking what's not hers.
It kinda ruined the rest of the book for me. Don't even get me started on Kylie waking up to Gretchen already inside her. People find different things sexy, buuuuuut nah, I wasn't feeling that, either.
God, maybe I should give it a two instead. We'll see how my mood swings. I wanted to love this book so much, too.
November 9, 2018
From blood, punches and kicks I turned to an office romance, some family drama, lost of family member a lil bit of overrated conflicts, unrequited love, and lost of a beloved pet.
For 47 and 37 year old hs, I was hoping that their communication skills would be above par but that was not the case. I couldn't see the reason why they even fell for each other at first but there were some heartwarming+sinful sugary scenes that could have ignited the love fuse + their scorching bed/couch/floor chemistry activities were 1O over 1O.
There was also this weird scene involving Kylie and her bestie, Mick aka Michelle. Alcohol, pent up feelings and stupidity caused such scene but they kinda patched things up in the end, unfortunately, to my opinion.
I do love Ms.Beers' love + adoration towards the furry canines and incorporates it into her stories.
Now it's time to look for blood, guts and gore.
For 47 and 37 year old hs, I was hoping that their communication skills would be above par but that was not the case. I couldn't see the reason why they even fell for each other at first but there were some heartwarming+sinful sugary scenes that could have ignited the love fuse + their scorching bed/couch/floor chemistry activities were 1O over 1O.
There was also this weird scene involving Kylie and her bestie, Mick aka Michelle. Alcohol, pent up feelings and stupidity caused such scene but they kinda patched things up in the end, unfortunately, to my opinion.
I do love Ms.Beers' love + adoration towards the furry canines and incorporates it into her stories.
Now it's time to look for blood, guts and gore.
June 13, 2022
This book is in my list of recommended books of the month:
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
Written in 2006, this novel is the epitome of an office romance in a corporate environment. Ms. Beers plays expertly the contrasts between the main characters: boss / assistant, blonde / brunette, outgoing / reserved, age gap, and so on. As the main characters work relationship evolves so does their attraction and the tension build-up is seriously hot. This book has a mix of romance, sex, drama, angst and love.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...
Written in 2006, this novel is the epitome of an office romance in a corporate environment. Ms. Beers plays expertly the contrasts between the main characters: boss / assistant, blonde / brunette, outgoing / reserved, age gap, and so on. As the main characters work relationship evolves so does their attraction and the tension build-up is seriously hot. This book has a mix of romance, sex, drama, angst and love.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
March 24, 2023
There was a lot of angst which by the middle of the book became too enervating. The romance and the anticipated relationship got little attention and were crammed up only in the last few chapters. I would've liked to see more of Gretchen and Kylie's relationship and their way of getting past their differences.
Oh, and fuck you Mick.
Oh, and fuck you Mick.
June 19, 2019
This book got completely out of my comfort zone. Mutal crushing employer/employee is pretty conventional and I don't really mind and it would even had been okay.
But the secondary plot about the bestie mooning for more, while she never said a word in more than 20 years ? That was mind boggling.
The way that bomb got off ? that was a really awful scene.
What follows is not treated with the necessary amount of seriousness for
But the secondary plot about the bestie mooning for more, while she never said a word in more than 20 years ? That was mind boggling.
The way that bomb got off ? that was a really awful scene.
What follows is not treated with the necessary amount of seriousness for
February 3, 2017
I love Gretchen and Kylie. Like, big time, fighty feelings, you can’t tell me anything about them because they’re one of my favourite lesfic couples, love them. Their respective jobs make them terrible for each other, but their chemistry is off the charts, and the way neither woman can stay away is delicious. They complement each other well, making a powerful pair both at work and outside the office.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/close...
If you don't mind spoilers, check out Sprinkles' review. It perfectly articulates what I don't like about the Mick/Kylie incident. I still adore this book, but that part is not okay.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/close...
If you don't mind spoilers, check out Sprinkles' review. It perfectly articulates what I don't like about the Mick/Kylie incident. I still adore this book, but that part is not okay.
December 31, 2019
This was a good book but not one I'd reread. Georgia Beers has so many great books that I'd recommend before this one.
May 20, 2024
I love Georgia Beers's books. Her characters are always feminine and hot—by her descriptions. I needed to read something feminine after the last book I read; which was horrible. The descriptions of this book are abundant from other reviewers so I'll just say, I LOVED it! I will be reading this again and the rest of Georgia Beer's books.
January 20, 2023
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2023 🌈✨: Main board - Workaholic Character
4 stars. This was my first book by Georgia Beers and I can already tell I’m going to have fun reading through her back list because this was pretty damn good. I liked the writing style a lot. It was easy to get into and the story kept me hooked.
There was a perfect amount of drama with a bit of angst mixed with a wonderful romance between Gretchen and Kylie. It’s also an office romance as Gretchen is Kylie’s boss and I always love the forbidden aspects of that dynamic. Both are great characters and I loved their chemistry. Gretchen in particular went through some fantastic development as she was dealing with some unresolved daddy issues and was a bit of an ice queen in the beginning. I loved her a lot in other words. Kylie was wonderful as well. Very caring and kind and I thought she really balanced out Gretchen and they worked well together.
I would’ve rated this higher but the whole thing between Kylie and Mick was unresolved and left me so uncomfortable and annoyed. I feel like that could’ve been handled better. Other than that though this was still a lovely read.
4 stars. This was my first book by Georgia Beers and I can already tell I’m going to have fun reading through her back list because this was pretty damn good. I liked the writing style a lot. It was easy to get into and the story kept me hooked.
There was a perfect amount of drama with a bit of angst mixed with a wonderful romance between Gretchen and Kylie. It’s also an office romance as Gretchen is Kylie’s boss and I always love the forbidden aspects of that dynamic. Both are great characters and I loved their chemistry. Gretchen in particular went through some fantastic development as she was dealing with some unresolved daddy issues and was a bit of an ice queen in the beginning. I loved her a lot in other words. Kylie was wonderful as well. Very caring and kind and I thought she really balanced out Gretchen and they worked well together.
I would’ve rated this higher but the whole thing between Kylie and Mick was unresolved and left me so uncomfortable and annoyed. I feel like that could’ve been handled better. Other than that though this was still a lovely read.
August 1, 2021
3.75 ⭐ Enjoyable falling for the boss romance. Low angst... in fact I think there is more bff angst then romantic angst!
ps. I do not understand that over image at all. What is that? And what does it have to do with the story?
ps. I do not understand that over image at all. What is that? And what does it have to do with the story?
January 10, 2017
Quite a stereotypical new boss and PA working relationship that leads to something more...the key difference being that this one is done well. The characters have depth and their relationship evolves in a believable and natural way with enough in the plot to keep you engaged.
August 24, 2016
I've read some books by Georgia Beers and always seem to enjoy them so when I found myself with nothing to read on my way to work I decided to read this one. This is a solid lesfic, with a well accomplished plot, and many and diverse female characters.
The story follows Gretchen and Kylie as they get to know each other working together. I enjoyed that they were both focused and worked hard to reach their goals, although their work ethics were compromised by their attraction part of what made me like this book was the sort of chemistry that goes from I hate you to my god I'd do things to you.
The story follows Gretchen and Kylie as they get to know each other working together. I enjoyed that they were both focused and worked hard to reach their goals, although their work ethics were compromised by their attraction part of what made me like this book was the sort of chemistry that goes from I hate you to my god I'd do things to you.
November 12, 2019
Here's the thing. This book is one of my all-time favorites. It's been on my shelves since 2006 when the paperback came out and I feel like it's an old friend because I re-read it every year. LOVE it. So I was excited to listen to the audiobook and was terribly disappointed with it. If someone listened to this - rather than read the book - they would have a totally different experience with it.
The audiobook was released in 2012 and narrated by Abby Craden - now one of the best out there. But I think she was still working on her craft back then and I was sorely disappointed in Kylie's voice. Gretchen's was a little better. It's one of those that you wish they would do an updated re-release - and yes - even using Craden would be okay. Kylie is a great character - really competent, smart, friendly and gorgeous. The voice Craden used for her is not one I've heard her use since - and I have to wonder if it's because it didn't work well. On the page, though Gretchen was very icy in the beginning, they had moments where they would enjoy their banter and flirt and that never came off well in the narration. Gretchen also had a sexy, low voice and Craden has perfected one now that would have much better suited her than the one she used here. Even the payoff at the end was lacking. So I highly recommend reading the physical book but take a pass on the audiobook. The book is a five star for me but the narration brought the audiobook version down to a three. We all know how phenomenal a narrator Craden is now - she's one of my very favorites, in fact. But not for this one, sadly. And it kills me.
The audiobook was released in 2012 and narrated by Abby Craden - now one of the best out there. But I think she was still working on her craft back then and I was sorely disappointed in Kylie's voice. Gretchen's was a little better. It's one of those that you wish they would do an updated re-release - and yes - even using Craden would be okay. Kylie is a great character - really competent, smart, friendly and gorgeous. The voice Craden used for her is not one I've heard her use since - and I have to wonder if it's because it didn't work well. On the page, though Gretchen was very icy in the beginning, they had moments where they would enjoy their banter and flirt and that never came off well in the narration. Gretchen also had a sexy, low voice and Craden has perfected one now that would have much better suited her than the one she used here. Even the payoff at the end was lacking. So I highly recommend reading the physical book but take a pass on the audiobook. The book is a five star for me but the narration brought the audiobook version down to a three. We all know how phenomenal a narrator Craden is now - she's one of my very favorites, in fact. But not for this one, sadly. And it kills me.
November 19, 2009
Good solid lesbian romance. Plenty of character-driven plot, with a nice bit of tension between three characters that isn't overdone (though it is somewhat predictable). Several sex scenes that are neither too graphic nor too vague and leave the reader (this one anyway) satisfied. Since there's no description listed here, perhaps this one from the cover will help those wondering what it's all about...
"Life gets complicated when love turns out to be nothing like you expected - and the woman you want is too close to touch.
Gretchen Kaiser is a workaholic corporate honcho with issues - she's got daddy issues, she's got female-executive-in-a-man's-world issues, and she's got one night stand issues. What she doesn't have are love issues. She isn't looking for it, she dosn't feel she needs it, and she doesn't expect to find it... certainly not right under her nose.
Kylie O'Brien is the kind of girl who believes in true love and is willing to wait until it shows up at her door. Her best friend Mick would sweep her off her feet given the chance, but Mick doesn't make Kylie feel the way true love should. And now Kylie has to worry about her new boss - Gretchen Kaiser's icy reserve makes life as her administrative assistant a challenge. It doesn't matter one damn bit that Gretchen is extremely attractive with a voice as rich and smooth as melted chocolate. It absolutely doesn't..."
"Life gets complicated when love turns out to be nothing like you expected - and the woman you want is too close to touch.
Gretchen Kaiser is a workaholic corporate honcho with issues - she's got daddy issues, she's got female-executive-in-a-man's-world issues, and she's got one night stand issues. What she doesn't have are love issues. She isn't looking for it, she dosn't feel she needs it, and she doesn't expect to find it... certainly not right under her nose.
Kylie O'Brien is the kind of girl who believes in true love and is willing to wait until it shows up at her door. Her best friend Mick would sweep her off her feet given the chance, but Mick doesn't make Kylie feel the way true love should. And now Kylie has to worry about her new boss - Gretchen Kaiser's icy reserve makes life as her administrative assistant a challenge. It doesn't matter one damn bit that Gretchen is extremely attractive with a voice as rich and smooth as melted chocolate. It absolutely doesn't..."
November 15, 2020
I suspect this would likely be my top favourite Georgia Beers book even though I haven't read them all yet. The boss-subordinate relationship books really get to me all the time. And I really love the chemistry that Gretchen and Kylie have. The romance is real and I can literally see the world fade away when these two had their moments after their pizza party and at the dance floor.
Kylie's episode with Mick disturbed me a little though. I'm not sure how a 20-year friendship could turn sour in just one night. And doesn't this constitute sexual assault? Did I miss an apology from Mick?
Kylie's episode with Mick disturbed me a little though. I'm not sure how a 20-year friendship could turn sour in just one night. And doesn't this constitute sexual assault? Did I miss an apology from Mick?
July 29, 2023
Office romance. Gretchen Kaiser is a workaholic and the new sales manager for a nondescript company. Her new personal assistant who has worked at the company for several years is competent and helps her adjust into the new job. There is attraction and will they/can they (office policies) moments. This is one Georgia Beers earlier books (2006) and on the whole I enjoyed it as I do all of her writing. But a subplot and a particular scene with a best friend is disturbing and brought the book down a star for me.
March 19, 2018
A solid read, but not my favorite among Georgia Beers' novels. I did not like the main characters much.
January 13, 2023
The story was decent and I liked the main characters well enough - it’s a shame that a side character ruined the book for me. Mick is the MC’s best friend and was unfortunately written to fall into the rude and aggressive butch stereotype that pervades far too much lesbian literature for my liking. Mick was scorned after confessing her feelings for Kylie (which she harbored for 20+ years..) and decided that assaulting her best friend was the best path forward once told that her feelings weren’t reciprocated. Very disappointing!
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【4.5 Stars】
This was my first book ever that I read from Georgia Beers. I have reread it a few times and it remains a favorite and I recommend it to anyone beginning Lesbian novels. This was also one of the first books I’ve read with an ice queen (and is probably what got me to seek out Lee Winter)!
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. I liked Gretchen’s icy exterior and was wondering when it would thaw. Kylie was a cool character who gets caught up in a few issues with her love life. If you’re looking for a great slow burn book that takes place in an office workplace, this is for you!
A memorable read that is recommended.
➢Happy reading!
This was my first book ever that I read from Georgia Beers. I have reread it a few times and it remains a favorite and I recommend it to anyone beginning Lesbian novels. This was also one of the first books I’ve read with an ice queen (and is probably what got me to seek out Lee Winter)!
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. I liked Gretchen’s icy exterior and was wondering when it would thaw. Kylie was a cool character who gets caught up in a few issues with her love life. If you’re looking for a great slow burn book that takes place in an office workplace, this is for you!
A memorable read that is recommended.
➢Happy reading!
Read
October 31, 2016Uno de mis libros favoritos de este género :)
November 17, 2022
A classic. An early work by the author which holds up as a solid workplace romance.
March 15, 2021
3.5/5
Warning for this book: Contains detailed description of a sexual assault
The review for this book is hard to write because my feelings about this book are complicated.
I love the characters and their chemistry. Gretchen and Kylie played off each other so perfectly. The added tension from the boss-employee dynamic was fun and handled quite well. Separately the two characters are interesting. Kylie is a sweetheart who, at times, seems a bit too patient with the people around her but she’s also shown being angry and sad and lonely. Gretchen was a handful at times, but I liked her through it all. When she was sad, bitchy, annoyed, everything. She was fun and multifaceted and fit so well with Kylie.
I loved the general storyline of the book. The initial tenseness that comes from being introduced to, and in parts attracted to, a new coworker. Initially getting along, things happening that strain the relationship, and finding their way back together. Kylie going to Poughkeepsie was an amazing part and one of the single sweetest things about the book. It was good. Georgia Beers’ writing is good and emotive, and I felt the way they did for most of the book.
That leads me to the part of the review I hate:
The absolute worst part of this book occurs in chapter 13 (starting after the break when Kylie goes home). I’m hiding it behind a spoiler because it includes part of the story as well as mention of sexual assault that’s not handled well.
I hate Mick as a character. I hated her before the assault but that just cinched it for me. Also, she has a weird hatred of people who aren’t out and proud, it’s appalling. The only time I actually liked Mick was in the first chapter and that was it.
This book is a good read but I would recommend skipping the second half of chapter 13 if you want to avoid that part. I read it because I needed to know how it was portrayed and I regret it.
Warning for this book: Contains detailed description of a sexual assault
The review for this book is hard to write because my feelings about this book are complicated.
I love the characters and their chemistry. Gretchen and Kylie played off each other so perfectly. The added tension from the boss-employee dynamic was fun and handled quite well. Separately the two characters are interesting. Kylie is a sweetheart who, at times, seems a bit too patient with the people around her but she’s also shown being angry and sad and lonely. Gretchen was a handful at times, but I liked her through it all. When she was sad, bitchy, annoyed, everything. She was fun and multifaceted and fit so well with Kylie.
I loved the general storyline of the book. The initial tenseness that comes from being introduced to, and in parts attracted to, a new coworker. Initially getting along, things happening that strain the relationship, and finding their way back together. Kylie going to Poughkeepsie was an amazing part and one of the single sweetest things about the book. It was good. Georgia Beers’ writing is good and emotive, and I felt the way they did for most of the book.
That leads me to the part of the review I hate:
The absolute worst part of this book occurs in chapter 13 (starting after the break when Kylie goes home). I’m hiding it behind a spoiler because it includes part of the story as well as mention of sexual assault that’s not handled well.
I hate Mick as a character. I hated her before the assault but that just cinched it for me. Also, she has a weird hatred of people who aren’t out and proud, it’s appalling. The only time I actually liked Mick was in the first chapter and that was it.
This book is a good read but I would recommend skipping the second half of chapter 13 if you want to avoid that part. I read it because I needed to know how it was portrayed and I regret it.
July 3, 2023
TW: sexual assalt
Yeah, the best friend thing did not age well at all, almost twenty years after the release of this book.
Will give the author another chance on a newer one
Yeah, the best friend thing did not age well at all, almost twenty years after the release of this book.
Will give the author another chance on a newer one
June 1, 2021
Enchanting
Reading Georgia Beers from where she started with publishing and now with Too Close to Touch, she has grown as an author so much and I just love devouring her books. I currently am in a phase of reading only her works and it impresses me every book I read. Continuing onward with my goal of reading all her work and looking forward to more chemistry, slow burn love.
Reading Georgia Beers from where she started with publishing and now with Too Close to Touch, she has grown as an author so much and I just love devouring her books. I currently am in a phase of reading only her works and it impresses me every book I read. Continuing onward with my goal of reading all her work and looking forward to more chemistry, slow burn love.
March 13, 2021
After having read "Starting from Scratch" by Georgia Beers, which I loved, I decided on "Too Close to Touch". The book sounded interesting and I loved the way Georgia Beers had brought her characters to life in her other book, I was expecting an entertaining read. And it certainly was entertaining and an interesting story. However, I was really disappointed in the characters. I just could not get interested in them'at all. If you want to read the book, stop reading now since I want to give a few examples why I couldn't get into the book.
On the one hand there is Gretchen, tough sales manager in a new job and awarded for her successes of the past, and on the other hand there is Kylie, long-time employee of Gretchen's new company and her personal assistant. Kylie is supposed to be warm and friendly and kind and as one of the supporting characters put it, too good for any of them. Yet Kylie's best friend of twenty years who is basically at her beck and call day and night, who does repairs in the house, helps her bury her dog and takes care of her when she is feeling down, is used by Kylie as a substitute for Gretchen one night. They have a fight about that night that completely got out of hand (in another review I read that Mick, the friend, tried to rape her but I don't agree since it was Kylie who basically attacked her and wouldn't let go until Mick wanted to go through with it and confessed her love, then Kylie wanted to stop which Mick did) and soft-hearted Kylie forgets all about her heart-broken friend for weeks and doesn't even call her! She forgot since she was too busy talking about her underwear with Gretchen! Personally, I found Kylie quite self-centered. Gretchen, tough as nails sales manager who doesn't care what others think about her and doesn't mind telling so, feels not good enough for Kylie. She'd rather sleep with one of Kylie's friends and says she's not made for commitment. Yet she was married for several years to her now best friend. I guess she developed those commitment issues right before Kylie? And her reasoning with the job didn't work for me either. In one scene she states that this would not be her first office affair. And after all, she didn't have any trouble to get a new job within the span of a week when she set her mind to it.
I gave the books three stars since I like Georgia Beer's writing style. The story was plotted well and the supporting characters were interesting enough. I will certainly try other books by her and I'm looking forward to them. This story however was not what I had expected.
On the one hand there is Gretchen, tough sales manager in a new job and awarded for her successes of the past, and on the other hand there is Kylie, long-time employee of Gretchen's new company and her personal assistant. Kylie is supposed to be warm and friendly and kind and as one of the supporting characters put it, too good for any of them. Yet Kylie's best friend of twenty years who is basically at her beck and call day and night, who does repairs in the house, helps her bury her dog and takes care of her when she is feeling down, is used by Kylie as a substitute for Gretchen one night. They have a fight about that night that completely got out of hand (in another review I read that Mick, the friend, tried to rape her but I don't agree since it was Kylie who basically attacked her and wouldn't let go until Mick wanted to go through with it and confessed her love, then Kylie wanted to stop which Mick did) and soft-hearted Kylie forgets all about her heart-broken friend for weeks and doesn't even call her! She forgot since she was too busy talking about her underwear with Gretchen! Personally, I found Kylie quite self-centered. Gretchen, tough as nails sales manager who doesn't care what others think about her and doesn't mind telling so, feels not good enough for Kylie. She'd rather sleep with one of Kylie's friends and says she's not made for commitment. Yet she was married for several years to her now best friend. I guess she developed those commitment issues right before Kylie? And her reasoning with the job didn't work for me either. In one scene she states that this would not be her first office affair. And after all, she didn't have any trouble to get a new job within the span of a week when she set her mind to it.
I gave the books three stars since I like Georgia Beer's writing style. The story was plotted well and the supporting characters were interesting enough. I will certainly try other books by her and I'm looking forward to them. This story however was not what I had expected.
July 6, 2017
This is a sweet love story, which I enjoyed very much. Gretchen and Kylie and Mick are interesting characters with complex feelings, and there is a good conflict in boss-employee relations, as in a boss dating her EAA (that's executive administrative assistant, if you aren't in the business world). I liked the characters and wanted them to work it out with each other, but about halfway through I found myself putting the book down after a chapter--a sure sign that while enjoyable, it's a little too pat and predictable. Not one of those "couldn't put it down books" for me, anyway. Beers is a good writer, with developed characters, good description, strong erotic scenes. Supposedly, four months passed during the story, but it felt like two weeks. I would have liked a little more detail, a little more story to make the intensity of "I love you" feel more possible. Fun read, however!
June 13, 2024
4.5
Kylie is loved by everyone who knows her. She constantly has a smile on her face and brightens every room she walks into. She has a huge heart and believes in love. After working for the same boss for many years it was time for him to retire. In walks her new boss, Gretchen. Gretchen, on the other hand, is an ice queen. While she is perfectly charismatic outside of work, at the office she is loathed by almost everyone.
The sexual chemistry between Kylie and Gretchen made this book. This is an angsty read all the way through til the end. The one thing that I'm missing from this book is some more resolution between all of the characters after the infamous night out. I felt like we didn't really get a clean resolution or even have time to digest fully what happened. I felt like the book could have been a bit longer in order to resolve the lingering issues.
Kylie is loved by everyone who knows her. She constantly has a smile on her face and brightens every room she walks into. She has a huge heart and believes in love. After working for the same boss for many years it was time for him to retire. In walks her new boss, Gretchen. Gretchen, on the other hand, is an ice queen. While she is perfectly charismatic outside of work, at the office she is loathed by almost everyone.
The sexual chemistry between Kylie and Gretchen made this book. This is an angsty read all the way through til the end. The one thing that I'm missing from this book is some more resolution between all of the characters after the infamous night out. I felt like we didn't really get a clean resolution or even have time to digest fully what happened. I felt like the book could have been a bit longer in order to resolve the lingering issues.
October 3, 2019
My new favorite author, having now read two of her books. This one written in 2006 stands up to the test of time. The two main characters are actually older which is great as they have experiences that show maturity. A great example of an office romance with two likable women, Gretchen the boss and Kylie the Executive Assistant. Some great second banana friends who add to the depth of the story. The book feel like life happens and the characters actually live. Georgia Beers can really write well. If you haven’t read her don’t wait - grab a book.
May 11, 2015
I liked this story. The characters are very likable, even the rather coolish Gretchen. It follows all the basic rules of a romance: lots of emotional/sexual tension but just the right amount. Was a very satisfying and quick story.
As far at the audio-- the narrator was going for sultry and maybe cool straighforward for Gretchen, but she talked like Bat Dad and I did find it distracting at first. But mostly it was a good audio.
As far at the audio-- the narrator was going for sultry and maybe cool straighforward for Gretchen, but she talked like Bat Dad and I did find it distracting at first. But mostly it was a good audio.
February 13, 2018
I am going to be very fast and especially very clear: with the books of Beers I wouldn’t bother to make a review of each of her books. You can go there with your eyes closed, everything is good, her writing, her stories , her characters, everything. Go ahead, read Georgia Beers without hesitation !!
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