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I Found My Heart in San Francisco #1
Awakenings
Despite the questions of her roommates and the objections of her fiance, Jamie Evans persists in enrolling in a college course that seems an odd choice for a young woman of her background. What no one can know is that the course, The Psychology of the Lesbian Experience, will propel Jamie onto a journey of self-awareness and realization. For the required fieldwork, Jamie is paired with the darkly beautiful Ryan O'Flaherty - a boldly "out" and sexually adventurous lesbian. This somewhat unlikely pair, slowly, and sometimes painfully, becomes aware that what they feel for each other is more than just friendship. The temptation to live life on her own terms is great, but so are the costs, as Jamie struggles to break out of her establishment-fashioned, pre-ordained mold. If she can summon the courage, however, she might find out that love, and life, have so much more to offer than she ever dreamed.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
16 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Susan X. Meagher
59 books370 followersSusan X Meagher was born in southern Illinois and grew up in East St Louis. She attended college in Chicago and started her working career there. She and her partner moved to the Los Angeles area in the late 80's. It was there that she started to write. Her first few books were simply posted on the web and became the I Found My Heart in San Francisco series. In 2002 she moved to New York and divides her time between Manhattan and the Jersey Shore. She has published thirteen books in the series and has gone on to write many individual books as well. She has partnered with other authors on two short story books and has written many stories that have been published in other mainstream anthologies. Susan is active in the lesbian author community and loves to attend Women's week at Provincetown and the GCLS annual conventions. Her stories revolve around the relationships that two women can build when given a chance and how those relationships can strengthen the individual and the partnership. Her genre is lesbian romance/fiction and she believes strongly in the happy ending that we all so deserve. Susan X Meagher was awarded a 2011 Lesbian Fiction Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Lesbian Fiction Writer. She is the recipient of the 2014 Alice B. Medal for her body of work.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2025
5 Stars - slowest of slow burns
Review of the ENTIRE SERIES THRU BOOK 24 - Oct2022
Well, my friends, it's been quite the journey. When I started book one in August, little did I know my reading life was about to revolve solely around Jamie and Ryan (and their families and friends) for the next 14 weeks. Susan Meagher, for me, is the perfect sapphic romance writer. Her stories are compelling even when they are about ordinary people. Her characters are well-rounded with positive and negative traits and ultimately likable people you'd be blessed to have as friends. She also is not afraid to write a spicy scene or two. :)
TWENTY-FOUR BOOKS tell the story of 5 years in their lives and really it's 23 books for 2 years because the very last book jumps forward 3 years in the timeline.
In 24 books you really get to know these characters, and you become emotionally involved in all the ups and downs, joys, and drama. You are in their day-to-day lives and you might think, "OMG, how the h*ll do you keep the story interesting??" I don't know what to tell you but I read these books like eating popcorn. I finished one and just immediately wanted (and did) start the next one and they were (and I swear I kid you not) all 5-star reads for me. I KNOW!! I can't believe it either. It might be because the whole series reads like one giant story. Until the last book, there are no gaps between books. The other reason is the decision to make one of the main characters uber-rich. Having money be no object opens up a lot of plot and story choices that kept stuff interesting. She balances it out by making the other MC very frugal and the play between the two is fun to read through the whole book.
It actually took me a while to get into the last book because of the time jump. I was dragging my feet because some very major plot points just got dumped on me without getting to read it, but I can kinda understand why she did it. Because here is the miracle of all these 24 books - there are never any dark periods based on the normal tropes. The stories are interesting, the characters struggle and there is drama but it's all understandable and the characters really work at their relationships and issues. They talk, and they go to therapy. It's amazing! lol. But there was a black period on the horizon for one of the secondary couples and the 3-year jump lets the author "skip" over what would have been something really hard to read and lets us just get to experience the redemption arc. It was truly lovely to read and I did tear up a bit.
Anyway - I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole series. I get the feeling there will be more books and I will read those too. Susan X Meagher is my kinda writer and I will be working my way through her extensive catalog of books. But I might just give a couple of other authors some of my time and money for a bit. Only seems fair.
Highly recommend.
Original Review - Aug2022
I have yet to meet a Susan X Meagher book I have not loved. This book is no exception. I am 99.99999% sure this series started as an uber Xena fanfic, but that's ok.
There are 24? books in the series so the author is taking her time telling the story. Like, you get their first real kiss at the end of book 1. They don't have sex until book 3. That is taking the time to let you get to know these characters and their families well. I, personally am enjoying the ride.
Meagher has such a way with her storytelling that I am not finding myself bored at all (yet) and have just picked up the next book right away (now on book 4). I might have to take a bit of a break because she is not a KU author, so it's getting a bit pricey.
If you are looking to sink your teeth into a grand epic love story with great characters and follow them on their journey full of ups and downs (I know there are going to be some downs and I am NOT looking forward to it) then I can highly recommend this series (so far).
side note: this story takes place in and around San Francisco in the early 2000 and reading about the AIDS Ride and SF Pride is such a freaking blast to the past for me as I can recall all the sets she is calling out: The Castro, Dykes on Bikes, The Lesbian March the day before pride, the dive bars and one-night lesbian ladies DJ dance nights. It's been fun reminiscing.
Review of the ENTIRE SERIES THRU BOOK 24 - Oct2022
Well, my friends, it's been quite the journey. When I started book one in August, little did I know my reading life was about to revolve solely around Jamie and Ryan (and their families and friends) for the next 14 weeks. Susan Meagher, for me, is the perfect sapphic romance writer. Her stories are compelling even when they are about ordinary people. Her characters are well-rounded with positive and negative traits and ultimately likable people you'd be blessed to have as friends. She also is not afraid to write a spicy scene or two. :)
TWENTY-FOUR BOOKS tell the story of 5 years in their lives and really it's 23 books for 2 years because the very last book jumps forward 3 years in the timeline.
In 24 books you really get to know these characters, and you become emotionally involved in all the ups and downs, joys, and drama. You are in their day-to-day lives and you might think, "OMG, how the h*ll do you keep the story interesting??" I don't know what to tell you but I read these books like eating popcorn. I finished one and just immediately wanted (and did) start the next one and they were (and I swear I kid you not) all 5-star reads for me. I KNOW!! I can't believe it either. It might be because the whole series reads like one giant story. Until the last book, there are no gaps between books. The other reason is the decision to make one of the main characters uber-rich. Having money be no object opens up a lot of plot and story choices that kept stuff interesting. She balances it out by making the other MC very frugal and the play between the two is fun to read through the whole book.
It actually took me a while to get into the last book because of the time jump. I was dragging my feet because some very major plot points just got dumped on me without getting to read it, but I can kinda understand why she did it. Because here is the miracle of all these 24 books - there are never any dark periods based on the normal tropes. The stories are interesting, the characters struggle and there is drama but it's all understandable and the characters really work at their relationships and issues. They talk, and they go to therapy. It's amazing! lol. But there was a black period on the horizon for one of the secondary couples and the 3-year jump lets the author "skip" over what would have been something really hard to read and lets us just get to experience the redemption arc. It was truly lovely to read and I did tear up a bit.
Anyway - I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole series. I get the feeling there will be more books and I will read those too. Susan X Meagher is my kinda writer and I will be working my way through her extensive catalog of books. But I might just give a couple of other authors some of my time and money for a bit. Only seems fair.
Highly recommend.
Original Review - Aug2022
I have yet to meet a Susan X Meagher book I have not loved. This book is no exception. I am 99.99999% sure this series started as an uber Xena fanfic, but that's ok.
There are 24? books in the series so the author is taking her time telling the story. Like, you get their first real kiss at the end of book 1. They don't have sex until book 3. That is taking the time to let you get to know these characters and their families well. I, personally am enjoying the ride.
Meagher has such a way with her storytelling that I am not finding myself bored at all (yet) and have just picked up the next book right away (now on book 4). I might have to take a bit of a break because she is not a KU author, so it's getting a bit pricey.
If you are looking to sink your teeth into a grand epic love story with great characters and follow them on their journey full of ups and downs (I know there are going to be some downs and I am NOT looking forward to it) then I can highly recommend this series (so far).
side note: this story takes place in and around San Francisco in the early 2000 and reading about the AIDS Ride and SF Pride is such a freaking blast to the past for me as I can recall all the sets she is calling out: The Castro, Dykes on Bikes, The Lesbian March the day before pride, the dive bars and one-night lesbian ladies DJ dance nights. It's been fun reminiscing.
February 3, 2024
This was really absorbing and I found that I became totally submerged in the main characters and their story. I love the way the author writes in an unrushed manner, that allows you to get to know the main characters in a depth that truly makes them real and believable.
February 26, 2013
This is all about delayed gratification and the slow journey towards self discovery.
i really enjoyed it very much and have to take a deep breathe as there are only another 25 books to go in this series!
i really enjoyed it very much and have to take a deep breathe as there are only another 25 books to go in this series!
May 27, 2018
So many unnecessary details, i know that they were meant to build the world in the book but they really trivial and didn't succeed in that (like the process of cooking lasagna, good god, it took forever). And such a simple narrative. Sometimes i felt like reading and excerpts from a diary. Also it took very long for me to feel anything romantic that Ryan felt for her friend, up until far in the book i really felt like the chemistry was one-sided.
I'm disappointed after so many good reviews.
I'm disappointed after so many good reviews.
August 1, 2022
Excellent.
I loved Awakenings. I don’t know why I never reviewed it. I have reread the entire series many times. Love all the MC’s.
I loved Awakenings. I don’t know why I never reviewed it. I have reread the entire series many times. Love all the MC’s.
December 6, 2022
Yes, this book is long and it’s a very slow burn like many reviewers mentioned, but I did enjoy getting to know the characters and it felt realistic as the MCs took their times getting to know each other and slowly falling for each other rather than an insta-love. Also, I liked that their relationship is built based on friendship which, in my opinion, is a strong foundation. I’m looking forward to reading their journey in the following 23 books.
August 6, 2017
binge-read whole series these months . this first book in series is loaded with information which seems to be quite helpful . i think everyone must read this specific book no matter what their orientation is. quite an eye opening book .
however ryan seems to be quite overachiever and sometimes unreal for a human being to exist .
however ryan seems to be quite overachiever and sometimes unreal for a human being to exist .
May 9, 2018
It is a nice romantic novel. The building friendship between Jamie and Ryan really amazed me. But I didn't like the way they decided to be together. I guess it was more of a Jamie's POV, so I didn't really understand what Ryan was feeling.
It also is a frustratingly long book with A LOT of unnesessary details. I kept reading just because I convinced myself that it would be worth it eventually. But I really didn't like the end, unfortunatelly. However, I can't just stop, I need to know how they develop their love. So, I hope the second book will be better.
It also is a frustratingly long book with A LOT of unnesessary details. I kept reading just because I convinced myself that it would be worth it eventually. But I really didn't like the end, unfortunatelly. However, I can't just stop, I need to know how they develop their love. So, I hope the second book will be better.
June 8, 2020
This book is the first in a very long series. I love to read series because I get to hang out with characters that I like and immerse myself in their world again and again. This was a well written story of a woman awakening to her sexuality. It is set in San Francisco which is a city I enjoy visiting. I sometimes wonder if there are really lesbian communities where women date as casually as some of the characters in this book or if it is only fiction. I may self have not experienced a place like that. The book was well written. I only got frustrated when the main character was making a bad choice out of fear. I liked the way the author handled how the main character figured things out. I will continue to read this series.
June 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book and thought the writer really made the characters come to life. I could feel the magnetism in Ryan and was invested in her and Jamie's lifes. The only negative for me was I hated the ending! It was such a good story, with all of the sudden ending in some weird Disney, pink bow, over the top cheesy love ending. Obviously I knew they'd end up together, but I would have liked a better, non-cheese factor ending. With that said, I still recommend this book if you're wanting to read it.
August 20, 2024
If I ever told you about another book that that book is a slow burn.. I lied. THIS book is a slow burn. The slowest of slow. Like setting water on fire.
I liked the characters, very cute and they are very mature. Only thing I disliked is that there are some straight things in this book, but that’s just personal preference. That took 2 stars off for me.
And.. you’re telling me there are 24 more books of this couple? Sign me the fuck up right now
I liked the characters, very cute and they are very mature. Only thing I disliked is that there are some straight things in this book, but that’s just personal preference. That took 2 stars off for me.
And.. you’re telling me there are 24 more books of this couple? Sign me the fuck up right now
April 21, 2025
Trust me! Lesbians should never read this book ！！！！
Too Much! Heterosexual Sex Scenes (MC and Her Boyfriend)
Sometimes I'll see in reviews of other books that people complain about too many lesbian sex scenes, and here I see no warnings!
You guys are dishonest ！！！！
I really don't know why I need to read so many straight sex scenes!!! It's disgusting
Too Much! Heterosexual Sex Scenes (MC and Her Boyfriend)
Sometimes I'll see in reviews of other books that people complain about too many lesbian sex scenes, and here I see no warnings!
You guys are dishonest ！！！！
I really don't know why I need to read so many straight sex scenes!!! It's disgusting
May 10, 2025
ohhhhh i loopooloove them. what an amazing slow burn, best friends to lovers :( they are soulmates! i hope the author doesn’t ruin them in the next books. and ofc this book wasn’t perfect, there was some mistakes i noticed (im blaming the year it was posted) but i deeply enjoyed it and their relationship.
June 17, 2017
So..this book is long..or maybe it is just overly descriptive and seems to go into great depth on some subjects needlessly.or Maybe its just me, but I still enjoyed this book and enough to move forward to book 2...or maybe I should have just gave it 4 stars and forgone all this needless review?
September 22, 2025
3.5 stars
such a drama filled entertaining book. Jamie won my heart.
my peeve was that Ryan had no context to her besides sex and Jamie too. The only time there was other dialogue was when they were togther or with friends.
such a drama filled entertaining book. Jamie won my heart.
my peeve was that Ryan had no context to her besides sex and Jamie too. The only time there was other dialogue was when they were togther or with friends.
June 20, 2019
In overall, it's a good book. But there were times during my reading that I had to come back here to check whether it fell into the right category. Gosh, it'd been so confusing!
March 26, 2023
Decent. Some sections went on a bit, like too much description that didn’t need to be there. But overall enjoyable and fun.
October 26, 2015
In this story, Susan gives us a lesson in how to be a lesbian in USA, yep, with the excuse of "The Psychology of the Lesbian Experience" Jamie is led by Ryan walk in the gay scene in San Francisco.
The problem is that basically has nothing new but is as lecture us, and it's really annoying. Ah, if you want sex in this particular story doesn't exist.
Should read when I have insomnia, it would be the only way in which you find the bright side to this. Without forgetting that the Porsche is present, oh yeah! I told the straight girl is rich? Well, nothing new.
The problem is that basically has nothing new but is as lecture us, and it's really annoying. Ah, if you want sex in this particular story doesn't exist.
Should read when I have insomnia, it would be the only way in which you find the bright side to this. Without forgetting that the Porsche is present, oh yeah! I told the straight girl is rich? Well, nothing new.
March 19, 2016
A true love story.
I never read any of Susan's books. I found it by accident figured I would give it a try. I am happy I did. This book was about the path that is taken when you find your true love, and the confusion of being with someone else when it happens. I see my self reading the entire series. I would recommend this book to friends.
I never read any of Susan's books. I found it by accident figured I would give it a try. I am happy I did. This book was about the path that is taken when you find your true love, and the confusion of being with someone else when it happens. I see my self reading the entire series. I would recommend this book to friends.
April 20, 2012
I feel generous… Three stars for this book…
Main characters look to me as Xena actresses. I guess about the influence of the TV series when writing the book… As habitual reader of romance books I missed erotic scenes between “Xena” & “Gabrielle”.
Main characters look to me as Xena actresses. I guess about the influence of the TV series when writing the book… As habitual reader of romance books I missed erotic scenes between “Xena” & “Gabrielle”.
December 30, 2011
Still keeping it at 3 stars after finishing the re-read of the published version.
March 25, 2014
WOW, great book by Susan, my only qualm is that it's long time waiting for stuff to happen. But never the less I loved this book looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 28, 2014
basically it deserves 3 stars but the fourth one is for Ryan coz she's fabulous
July 30, 2015
Yes you can! Be your own person. Find your true self. Buddy up with folks that care about you and want the best for you. Nice start to a series I look forward to reading.
July 2, 2023
A treasure from beginning to end. Patiently waiting for book 25!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews