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Like Jazz
Cassidy “Cazz” Warner, a smart, sporty, reticent newcomer to the senior class at Claiborne High, unwittingly attracts the attention of its most popular girl: Sarah Perkins, a bright, athletic, charismatic beauty. Just as the two begin to understand how extraordinary their friendship is, another cross-country move wrests Cazz away.
Ten years later, Cazz unexpectedly runs into Sarah during a fraud investigation at Sarah’s charitable foundation. The women are inexorably drawn to each other, but Cazz’s investigation into the foundation's finances limits her ability to be entirely honest with Sarah.
Already wary of Cazz for not keeping in touch after Claiborne, Sarah demands the truth. Will Cazz own up to her feelings for Sarah? Or is she too late? And will Cazz’s investigation bring a killer to justice, or will she sacrifice herself to protect Sarah from a man desperate to conceal his crimes?
Ten years later, Cazz unexpectedly runs into Sarah during a fraud investigation at Sarah’s charitable foundation. The women are inexorably drawn to each other, but Cazz’s investigation into the foundation's finances limits her ability to be entirely honest with Sarah.
Already wary of Cazz for not keeping in touch after Claiborne, Sarah demands the truth. Will Cazz own up to her feelings for Sarah? Or is she too late? And will Cazz’s investigation bring a killer to justice, or will she sacrifice herself to protect Sarah from a man desperate to conceal his crimes?
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2013
7 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blackmore
5 books75 followersHeather Blackmore works in finance for SF Bay Area technology startups. In a seemingly counterintuitive move, she got her MSA and CPA with the goal of one day being able to work part-time so she could write. The right and left sides of her brain have been at war ever since.
It's Not a Date is her latest romance. Heather was a debut author finalist for the Goldie and Rainbow awards and contemporary lesbian fiction finalist for the Rainbow awards for Like Jazz.
It's Not a Date is her latest romance. Heather was a debut author finalist for the Goldie and Rainbow awards and contemporary lesbian fiction finalist for the Rainbow awards for Like Jazz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 13, 2018
Why on earth was I ignoring this book for so long is beyond me! I loved it! Loved the writing, the plot, the characters and everything in between!
May 29, 2022
Once more.
Heather Blackmore should write more sapphic stories because she's really good at it. I've gone through two out of three of her sapphic novels and love them so much. I love this one for the sexual tension. It's a big slowburn and Heather Blackmore teases us with some fade to black sex scenes too but almost the entire book is a build up of sexual tension and chemistry between the main characters and I absolutely love it.
The story is split into two parts - Cazz and Sarah in high school and them again ten years later as adults. It isn't exactly a second chance romance because they never actually got together in high school but it's close and what they shared was sweet and innocent and I love it. Ten years later, Cazz returns to Sarah's life and into her foundation as an undercover investigator and this time round, the relationship is flirtatious and hot and I love what they have even more. But the characters don't always engage in romantic bliss and banter. Their attraction to each other isn't a secret but actual confession and taking the relationship another step forward is an issue on Sarah's part in adulthood and this was frustrating but the angst level was still moderate so I was fine with it.
I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version because Lori Prince narrated this to perfection. She conveyed the emotions so well and I was swooning over the sultry voice she used for Sarah at times.
Heather Blackmore should write more sapphic stories because she's really good at it. I've gone through two out of three of her sapphic novels and love them so much. I love this one for the sexual tension. It's a big slowburn and Heather Blackmore teases us with some fade to black sex scenes too but almost the entire book is a build up of sexual tension and chemistry between the main characters and I absolutely love it.
The story is split into two parts - Cazz and Sarah in high school and them again ten years later as adults. It isn't exactly a second chance romance because they never actually got together in high school but it's close and what they shared was sweet and innocent and I love it. Ten years later, Cazz returns to Sarah's life and into her foundation as an undercover investigator and this time round, the relationship is flirtatious and hot and I love what they have even more. But the characters don't always engage in romantic bliss and banter. Their attraction to each other isn't a secret but actual confession and taking the relationship another step forward is an issue on Sarah's part in adulthood and this was frustrating but the angst level was still moderate so I was fine with it.
I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version because Lori Prince narrated this to perfection. She conveyed the emotions so well and I was swooning over the sultry voice she used for Sarah at times.
November 14, 2017
This is a f/f contemporary romance with two leads that are so perfect we're in a fantasy world of sorts. But, as far as that goes, "Like Jazz" is a well-written and pleasurable read.
The romance is slow burn, the characters are likable, the chemistry between the leads is palpable, the dialogue and interactions feel natural and we get a bit of a crime caper thrown into the mix, as well.
My only complaint for the book would be that things are too perfect or easily solved but, then again, sometimes we're in the mood for that kind of read.
Because Sarah is supermodel-esque, rich, and has a heart of gold and Cazz is about the same, minus the wealth, I never really sunk into their characters, since I don't identify with either. But it was fun to watch, so to speak.
There's a lot of angst in the story punctuated with actual payoffs here and there so there's a rhythm of tease and satisfaction all along the way. Any conflicts really, are those created by the leads themselves and there are no overly dramatic backgrounds, i.e. foster homes, abuses, and the like.
The book is nearly split in two with the first 39% of the book taking place during Sarah and Cazz's high school time together and the rest being in present day so it's almost like a YA and adult read in one.
And, I really enjoyed Cazz's characterization and backstory as to why she behaved as she did in high school. It felt authentic.
Accountants and those in finance may have fun with this one since the crime aspect and undercover element deals with embezzlement and fraud. The author has a financial background and it lent itself really well to the plot.
And there's some positive bisexual representation in Sarah's character.
To compare to another book, this had a similar feel as Fiona Riley's "Miss Match" though I liked this more.
Overall, this read is a decent way to spend an afternoon and about as good as it gets for smooth romances. Enjoyed.
The romance is slow burn, the characters are likable, the chemistry between the leads is palpable, the dialogue and interactions feel natural and we get a bit of a crime caper thrown into the mix, as well.
My only complaint for the book would be that things are too perfect or easily solved but, then again, sometimes we're in the mood for that kind of read.
Because Sarah is supermodel-esque, rich, and has a heart of gold and Cazz is about the same, minus the wealth, I never really sunk into their characters, since I don't identify with either. But it was fun to watch, so to speak.
There's a lot of angst in the story punctuated with actual payoffs here and there so there's a rhythm of tease and satisfaction all along the way. Any conflicts really, are those created by the leads themselves and there are no overly dramatic backgrounds, i.e. foster homes, abuses, and the like.
The book is nearly split in two with the first 39% of the book taking place during Sarah and Cazz's high school time together and the rest being in present day so it's almost like a YA and adult read in one.
And, I really enjoyed Cazz's characterization and backstory as to why she behaved as she did in high school. It felt authentic.
Accountants and those in finance may have fun with this one since the crime aspect and undercover element deals with embezzlement and fraud. The author has a financial background and it lent itself really well to the plot.
And there's some positive bisexual representation in Sarah's character.
To compare to another book, this had a similar feel as Fiona Riley's "Miss Match" though I liked this more.
Overall, this read is a decent way to spend an afternoon and about as good as it gets for smooth romances. Enjoyed.
January 25, 2020
4.5 star
A thoroughly enjoyable read - one which I weren’t expecting! Almost a third of the story focus on the 2 very femme leads, Sarah and Cazz, when they were seniors in high school and the rest were based ten years later where they met again and when the story came full circle. I simply enjoyed the friendship/relationship/chemistry between Sarah and Cazz. It’s a friends-to-lover and second chance romance with leads who weren’t sure with their sexuality back in HS and how they evolved in their time apart over the 10 years.
Just Jazz simply drew me in like a magnet and had me up till the wee hours (until my eyes just can’t keep up)! A definite re-read for me...sometime in the not too distance future!
A thoroughly enjoyable read - one which I weren’t expecting! Almost a third of the story focus on the 2 very femme leads, Sarah and Cazz, when they were seniors in high school and the rest were based ten years later where they met again and when the story came full circle. I simply enjoyed the friendship/relationship/chemistry between Sarah and Cazz. It’s a friends-to-lover and second chance romance with leads who weren’t sure with their sexuality back in HS and how they evolved in their time apart over the 10 years.
Just Jazz simply drew me in like a magnet and had me up till the wee hours (until my eyes just can’t keep up)! A definite re-read for me...sometime in the not too distance future!
June 13, 2018
4 stars.
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Especially after I realized the High School section when Cazz & Sarah first meet was a third or more of the book. I normally don't care to read this age group (17-18ys). However, it was well written and a great way to introduce the MCs who matured and meet again 10 years later, yet their prior HS friendship still has a significant impact on their lives. There is a "mystery" although it wasn't hard to figure out - it was interesting to follow Cazz's investigation via financial leads. Who knew an accountant's investigation would be interesting to read or dangerous? Ok she is more than "just" an accountant.
Center stage was the friendship & romance - which was very well done. I liked both of the MCs. Sarah who is not quite as perfect as she appears and Cazz who is no longer as awkward but just as smitten.
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Especially after I realized the High School section when Cazz & Sarah first meet was a third or more of the book. I normally don't care to read this age group (17-18ys). However, it was well written and a great way to introduce the MCs who matured and meet again 10 years later, yet their prior HS friendship still has a significant impact on their lives. There is a "mystery" although it wasn't hard to figure out - it was interesting to follow Cazz's investigation via financial leads. Who knew an accountant's investigation would be interesting to read or dangerous? Ok she is more than "just" an accountant.
Center stage was the friendship & romance - which was very well done. I liked both of the MCs. Sarah who is not quite as perfect as she appears and Cazz who is no longer as awkward but just as smitten.
June 26, 2019
I had a hard with this book structure. It starts with a present cop scene, jumps back to high school for a loooooooooong time, go back to the present.
But the past is so very much present in the two main characters, that this loooooooooooooong flashback was not really necessary.
The other characters are vaguely shaped. So it really is a nono for me.
But the past is so very much present in the two main characters, that this loooooooooooooong flashback was not really necessary.
The other characters are vaguely shaped. So it really is a nono for me.
June 8, 2022
This was kind of a mess for me. The first half of the story is in High School where Cazz is the new girl in their senior year and an introvert with some PTSD from past dating. So she's a bundle of wary nerves and I found her engaging as she attempts to navigate her attraction to popular girl Sarah while staying under the radar. Unfortunately for her, she rather stands out for her intelligence and tennis acumen. I liked that she is unwilling to dumb herself down just to fly under the radar and her rivalry/friendship with Sarah was outstanding for all it's teen angst depth.
And I liked Sarah, too, seeing her fall into a friendship with someone she can truly respect and even admire, sometimes against her will. Blackmore is author enough to show her growing attraction to Cazz, even though we're only ever in Cazz's PoV.
This first half was fairly stellar and I looked forward to the ten-year jump when they reconnect. Sadly, this part left me pretty underwhelmed. It's a slow burn romance, but the only way Blackmore achieves that is giving Sarah a negative motivation* that isn't explained (until final pages, but by then it was way too late for me). So Cazz is falling even harder for Sarah. And you can kind of see that Sarah isn't indifferent. But that negative motivation has her saying stupid things and putting up nonsensical boundaries, insisting that she only plays, never commits.
My heart hurt for Cazz trying to understand this worst-version of Sarah. I did like how Cazz handled it, doing her best to accept boundaries and eventually settling on acknowledging that she would take what she could get of the woman she clearly (eventually explicitly) loved. Those episodes where she was able to convince Sarah to let go and experience joy in their friendship were truly outstanding, mainly because my investment in Cazz never let up.
And then plot happened and that threw me for a bit of a loop. Cazz is an investigator for white-collar crime. And I loved seeing her be competent and clue-gathery and all. But I hated with a fiery passion when . So off-putting!
And I'm not a fan of developments from there, either, with Sarah maintaining her distance even as they become an overt couple. Again, my heart hurt for Cazz even as I admired her resolution to abide the boundaries set by Sarah. This worked because her hope was never delusional, even when it seemed thinnest. Again, a talented portrayal by Blackmore.
I'm going to give this 2½ stars and I'm tempted to round down for all the second-half pain. But I really was engaged with Cazz and loved her from beginning to end. So I'll round up. I wish the story hadn't felt so cluttered by things that felt like irrelevancies to me.
A note about Steamy: It's a slow burn, but even when they do it, it's off page. Until the final chapter. Which includes a long, completely gratuitous sex scene that very nearly put this in the middle of my steam tolerance all on its own. But not quite.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
And I liked Sarah, too, seeing her fall into a friendship with someone she can truly respect and even admire, sometimes against her will. Blackmore is author enough to show her growing attraction to Cazz, even though we're only ever in Cazz's PoV.
This first half was fairly stellar and I looked forward to the ten-year jump when they reconnect. Sadly, this part left me pretty underwhelmed. It's a slow burn romance, but the only way Blackmore achieves that is giving Sarah a negative motivation* that isn't explained (until final pages, but by then it was way too late for me). So Cazz is falling even harder for Sarah. And you can kind of see that Sarah isn't indifferent. But that negative motivation has her saying stupid things and putting up nonsensical boundaries, insisting that she only plays, never commits.
My heart hurt for Cazz trying to understand this worst-version of Sarah. I did like how Cazz handled it, doing her best to accept boundaries and eventually settling on acknowledging that she would take what she could get of the woman she clearly (eventually explicitly) loved. Those episodes where she was able to convince Sarah to let go and experience joy in their friendship were truly outstanding, mainly because my investment in Cazz never let up.
And then plot happened and that threw me for a bit of a loop. Cazz is an investigator for white-collar crime. And I loved seeing her be competent and clue-gathery and all. But I hated with a fiery passion when . So off-putting!
And I'm not a fan of developments from there, either, with Sarah maintaining her distance even as they become an overt couple. Again, my heart hurt for Cazz even as I admired her resolution to abide the boundaries set by Sarah. This worked because her hope was never delusional, even when it seemed thinnest. Again, a talented portrayal by Blackmore.
I'm going to give this 2½ stars and I'm tempted to round down for all the second-half pain. But I really was engaged with Cazz and loved her from beginning to end. So I'll round up. I wish the story hadn't felt so cluttered by things that felt like irrelevancies to me.
A note about Steamy: It's a slow burn, but even when they do it, it's off page. Until the final chapter. Which includes a long, completely gratuitous sex scene that very nearly put this in the middle of my steam tolerance all on its own. But not quite.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
July 17, 2016
A very good debut novel. I will definitely check out the next book from Heather Blackmore.
March 28, 2020
Like Jazz was my first by Ms.Blackmore. Do check out its GR page, plenty of recs and decent ratings. The blurb had Strawberry Summer by Brayden vibe in it so with plenty of time to spend, I dig in.
The story opened up in the present before I was taken to the girls' past. Both leads had plenty of similarities but their differences were quite obvious too. I'm having trouble remembering names currently so I will call one Grumpy and the other Sunny. Great set up to their enemies - friendship - enemies storyline, it was accompanied by the usual high school activities/dramas/miscommunications. They were cleverly written though so nothing was dreadful. I felt the pain, sadness and the feelings of falling in love with someone the world said that you were not supposed to.
Grumpy's backstory was heartbreaking and believable, and the same things are still happening as I'm typing this, peer pressure and bullying among other fuckedupness. High school tormenting was much more covert in those days, rumors spread through whispers and giggles in the hallway, and you just hoped that the rumors died before proliferating throughout the school. Nowadays, the digital age has changed the rumor mill, and thus, changed the ways in which high schoolers can torment each other in perpetuity. Nothing dies on the internet. The digital footprint is always there. It makes it much harder to forget and move onto the next rumor.
After a hundred pages after, I was taken back to the present. Again, Ms.Blackmore did not dread things up, the reunion happened soon enough and the leads were meeting up frequently. Loads of page time/ conversations but not that much about the feelings they were still harboring towards one another as whenever the subject was open for discussion, one will try to leave the scene immediately. I had Jenny screaming this inside my head, "Run Forrest, Run!" repeatedly. They switched roles too, Grumpy becoming Sunny and vice versa. Now that part didn't make sense, your heart was broken by 2 individuals, one who didn't keep in touch with you after leaving and the other by an asshole who wanted you to pop out babies every 9 months so they turned you into an insecure grouch? Really don't make any sense.
I was interested enough to read her next book, Not A Date but Jenny was already screaming so I had to put it down. I would like to get to know one of Paradise Lost's future wife in it - Holy/Holly but again... JENNY.
Yes, Like Jazz had the same vibe as Strawberry Summer but.. Brayden remained unchallenged.
The story opened up in the present before I was taken to the girls' past. Both leads had plenty of similarities but their differences were quite obvious too. I'm having trouble remembering names currently so I will call one Grumpy and the other Sunny. Great set up to their enemies - friendship - enemies storyline, it was accompanied by the usual high school activities/dramas/miscommunications. They were cleverly written though so nothing was dreadful. I felt the pain, sadness and the feelings of falling in love with someone the world said that you were not supposed to.
Grumpy's backstory was heartbreaking and believable, and the same things are still happening as I'm typing this, peer pressure and bullying among other fuckedupness. High school tormenting was much more covert in those days, rumors spread through whispers and giggles in the hallway, and you just hoped that the rumors died before proliferating throughout the school. Nowadays, the digital age has changed the rumor mill, and thus, changed the ways in which high schoolers can torment each other in perpetuity. Nothing dies on the internet. The digital footprint is always there. It makes it much harder to forget and move onto the next rumor.
After a hundred pages after, I was taken back to the present. Again, Ms.Blackmore did not dread things up, the reunion happened soon enough and the leads were meeting up frequently. Loads of page time/ conversations but not that much about the feelings they were still harboring towards one another as whenever the subject was open for discussion, one will try to leave the scene immediately. I had Jenny screaming this inside my head, "Run Forrest, Run!" repeatedly. They switched roles too, Grumpy becoming Sunny and vice versa. Now that part didn't make sense, your heart was broken by 2 individuals, one who didn't keep in touch with you after leaving and the other by an asshole who wanted you to pop out babies every 9 months so they turned you into an insecure grouch? Really don't make any sense.
I was interested enough to read her next book, Not A Date but Jenny was already screaming so I had to put it down. I would like to get to know one of Paradise Lost's future wife in it - Holy/Holly but again... JENNY.
Yes, Like Jazz had the same vibe as Strawberry Summer but.. Brayden remained unchallenged.
July 6, 2016
This book here is the first one I’ve read by Heather Blackmore. I admit that I initially added the book, if I recall correctly, to my maybe pile because of the cover. From a distance, it kind of looks like a music instrument; and the book itself includes the word ‘Jazz’. With the sitting woman in a black dress looking like that open area on an instrument, and the road looking like the . . . I need to know music instrument terminology to make this work, right? Heh. Mmphs. Oh, heh. That ‘open area’ is called a sound hole. And the road and cars looks like the fingerboard/neck and frets.
I learned fairly quickly, though, that the book has nothing to do with music. Cassidy Warner tells people, at least her friends, to call her Cazz, like jazz (as opposed, I’m sure, to Cass like ass). I guess it’s a good thing that Cazz likes people to call her that instead of Cass or this book would have been titled ‘Like Ass’. I already admit I came to the book by accident because of Jazz, what would I have expected, I wonder, if it had been called ‘Like Ass’, eh? Heh.
Right, so: The book involves Cassidy “Cazz” Warner and Sarah “no nickname” Perkins. The book opens with a prologue set ten years later in time than chapter 1. Well, whenever it is that the school part starts at least, the beginning of the book starts ten years before that.
Cazz’s family moves a lot. And, apparently, without warning and at the drop of a hat. Meaning that she has a lot of experience moving from school to school. And finds that the easiest thing for her to do is to try to hide in the background – her best experiences are the times when it takes six weeks before anyone even realizes she is there. Well, at her new school, everything kind of gets sabotaged for her in two ways. (1) her attempt to hide is ruined by someone calling attention to them in front of the entire class (more than once); (2) one of her classes has something like a pop test, then reads the list of the top 5 grades, along with names – and Cazz was #1 (which pisses off Sarah, who is always first).
The first class in which she meets Sarah starts off with Cazz hiding out with the teacher going on about some assignment people were supposed to have done. Everything seems to be going Cazz’s way, at least in terms of having the teacher not even make an announcement that she is there, and new. Then the door opens and a late student appears, though she has the allowed excuse that she had student-government business (or something like that). The teacher immediately asks if that newly arrived student had done the assignment; student deflects and asks who the newcomer was; deflected, the teacher introduces Cazz to everyone, and then calls upon her to say what she thought of the reading assignment. And so, (1) Cazz wasn’t able to hide; (2) Cazz and Sarah ‘meet’ for the first time; (3) Cazz is instantly, and confusedly, to herself, really really drawn to Sarah in a drooling kind of way.
Sarah, by the way, is super popular, and dating a hot popular guy named Dirk or some D name. So Cazz is in an awkward situation there. What with her feelings, and the popular girl acting alternating friendly with her and annoyed with her.
The school section was rather riveting, well done. I’m fairly certain that if the book had cut the beginning part, and the end part – i.e., cut the ’10 years later’ parts, and just focused on the school (oh, and kept Cazz’s family from moving), that everything would have probably ended up being close to, and maybe actually a 5 star book. It was rather well done – the nervous girl, the shy awkwardness of learning that you like girls, etc. I’m somewhat sad that that book doesn’t exist.
As it is, the book was quite interesting, good – the ‘ten years later’, as in ‘present time’, finds Cazz working as an investigator with the LAPD (in a civilian capacity), while Sarah works for the charity foundation her father started. Cazz and Sarah meet again, after no communication for 10 years, when Cazz is in the charity offices to do some undercover investigations – and the two bump into each other. Cazz didn’t do her homework, and didn’t realize the charity was connected to the Perkins family.
So the book is a coming of age/romance/investigation-mystery/fraud/action-thriller-danger mix of a book. Everything seemed to work well enough. I didn’t particularly like how reluctant Sarah was to express herself/her feelings. She uses an excuse in ‘present time’ for why she is the way she is now, but she was that way back in high school as well.
Cazz and Sarah are relatively well-rounded, and, for the most part, I like both characters. The others in the book aren’t as well-formed, for the most part (again). There is a mystery, and an investigation, and that was handled well enough. The danger part might have been a little over the top (plus, on one level it didn’t really make sense -
Overall I enjoyed the book. If the book had been limited to the school part – obviously expanded to a full book length, that section was about 30% of the book; then it’s possible I’d have given that book, that doesn’t exist, a possible 5 stars. No reason to assume that adding 70% more material would not alter the rating off of 5 stars. As it is, this is a solid book. Probably something I’d give a rating of 4.4 to 4.5 stars.
ETA:
Mystery
CCazz worked for the SEC working on investigating crimes involving the financial sector. She moved from the SEC to some pilot program being run by the LAPD (it isn't exactly clear how all that works). With the LAPD, Cazz is called a detective and has a badge, but is still considered a civilian. She works for a Commander Ashby.
Cazz's job with the LAPD involves undercover work. She gets placed with companies that may or may not be involved in crimes involving finance, and she investigates. The book opens with Cazz getting an assignment to insert herself into a charity foundation. Apparently a friend of Ashby's, and the managing director of said foundation, has asked for Ashby's help.
As part of her undercover work, Cazz works at the foundation as an accountant - and must perform the job of an accountant at the same time she conducts an investigation into the foundations finances. The financial investigation parts are actually quite interesting.
I mentioned that Cazz is a civilian investigator. That comes up in an important way when the case turns out to include violent crime - something she isn't trained to handle or deal with.
The mystery/investigation is good, solid. The romance, time in school, etc. is all also good solid work. Altogether I'd give the book a rating of 4.5. But then I already said that. In my non-added section part.
April 14 & 15 2016
I learned fairly quickly, though, that the book has nothing to do with music. Cassidy Warner tells people, at least her friends, to call her Cazz, like jazz (as opposed, I’m sure, to Cass like ass). I guess it’s a good thing that Cazz likes people to call her that instead of Cass or this book would have been titled ‘Like Ass’. I already admit I came to the book by accident because of Jazz, what would I have expected, I wonder, if it had been called ‘Like Ass’, eh? Heh.
Right, so: The book involves Cassidy “Cazz” Warner and Sarah “no nickname” Perkins. The book opens with a prologue set ten years later in time than chapter 1. Well, whenever it is that the school part starts at least, the beginning of the book starts ten years before that.
Cazz’s family moves a lot. And, apparently, without warning and at the drop of a hat. Meaning that she has a lot of experience moving from school to school. And finds that the easiest thing for her to do is to try to hide in the background – her best experiences are the times when it takes six weeks before anyone even realizes she is there. Well, at her new school, everything kind of gets sabotaged for her in two ways. (1) her attempt to hide is ruined by someone calling attention to them in front of the entire class (more than once); (2) one of her classes has something like a pop test, then reads the list of the top 5 grades, along with names – and Cazz was #1 (which pisses off Sarah, who is always first).
The first class in which she meets Sarah starts off with Cazz hiding out with the teacher going on about some assignment people were supposed to have done. Everything seems to be going Cazz’s way, at least in terms of having the teacher not even make an announcement that she is there, and new. Then the door opens and a late student appears, though she has the allowed excuse that she had student-government business (or something like that). The teacher immediately asks if that newly arrived student had done the assignment; student deflects and asks who the newcomer was; deflected, the teacher introduces Cazz to everyone, and then calls upon her to say what she thought of the reading assignment. And so, (1) Cazz wasn’t able to hide; (2) Cazz and Sarah ‘meet’ for the first time; (3) Cazz is instantly, and confusedly, to herself, really really drawn to Sarah in a drooling kind of way.
Sarah, by the way, is super popular, and dating a hot popular guy named Dirk or some D name. So Cazz is in an awkward situation there. What with her feelings, and the popular girl acting alternating friendly with her and annoyed with her.
The school section was rather riveting, well done. I’m fairly certain that if the book had cut the beginning part, and the end part – i.e., cut the ’10 years later’ parts, and just focused on the school (oh, and kept Cazz’s family from moving), that everything would have probably ended up being close to, and maybe actually a 5 star book. It was rather well done – the nervous girl, the shy awkwardness of learning that you like girls, etc. I’m somewhat sad that that book doesn’t exist.
As it is, the book was quite interesting, good – the ‘ten years later’, as in ‘present time’, finds Cazz working as an investigator with the LAPD (in a civilian capacity), while Sarah works for the charity foundation her father started. Cazz and Sarah meet again, after no communication for 10 years, when Cazz is in the charity offices to do some undercover investigations – and the two bump into each other. Cazz didn’t do her homework, and didn’t realize the charity was connected to the Perkins family.
So the book is a coming of age/romance/investigation-mystery/fraud/action-thriller-danger mix of a book. Everything seemed to work well enough. I didn’t particularly like how reluctant Sarah was to express herself/her feelings. She uses an excuse in ‘present time’ for why she is the way she is now, but she was that way back in high school as well.
Cazz and Sarah are relatively well-rounded, and, for the most part, I like both characters. The others in the book aren’t as well-formed, for the most part (again). There is a mystery, and an investigation, and that was handled well enough. The danger part might have been a little over the top (plus, on one level it didn’t really make sense -
Overall I enjoyed the book. If the book had been limited to the school part – obviously expanded to a full book length, that section was about 30% of the book; then it’s possible I’d have given that book, that doesn’t exist, a possible 5 stars. No reason to assume that adding 70% more material would not alter the rating off of 5 stars. As it is, this is a solid book. Probably something I’d give a rating of 4.4 to 4.5 stars.
ETA:
Mystery
CCazz worked for the SEC working on investigating crimes involving the financial sector. She moved from the SEC to some pilot program being run by the LAPD (it isn't exactly clear how all that works). With the LAPD, Cazz is called a detective and has a badge, but is still considered a civilian. She works for a Commander Ashby.
Cazz's job with the LAPD involves undercover work. She gets placed with companies that may or may not be involved in crimes involving finance, and she investigates. The book opens with Cazz getting an assignment to insert herself into a charity foundation. Apparently a friend of Ashby's, and the managing director of said foundation, has asked for Ashby's help.
As part of her undercover work, Cazz works at the foundation as an accountant - and must perform the job of an accountant at the same time she conducts an investigation into the foundations finances. The financial investigation parts are actually quite interesting.
I mentioned that Cazz is a civilian investigator. That comes up in an important way when the case turns out to include violent crime - something she isn't trained to handle or deal with.
The mystery/investigation is good, solid. The romance, time in school, etc. is all also good solid work. Altogether I'd give the book a rating of 4.5. But then I already said that. In my non-added section part.
April 14 & 15 2016
January 4, 2018
A young High School senior who has been dragged around the country with barely any notice enters into a LA High School where she meets the opposite of the mean girls. In fact she meets someone who has it all, looks, intelligence, perception and an interest in Cazz soon after the two meet. Cassidy has the looks and intelligence but is dragged down at every turn by self-doubt and a crippling shyness. Just when their relationship is headed toward something of great value Cassidy's father is transferred again and they have to move like right now. And they do, without Cassidy or Sarah having the discussion which could have changed their lives.
The second part of the story has Cassidy as some sort of detective investigating the charity where Sarah works. Cassidy cannot say why she is suddenly working there and has never lied to Sarah before so she walks a fine line as their relationship heats up again. She has lost most of her worries and self-doubt but how can she have a relationship with Sarah if she's investigating her charity?
Characters
The characters in this make the story and by characters I mean Cassidy and Sarah. There isn't much in the way of supporting characters. The descriptions of Cassidy's thoughts and and Sarah's perceptiveness really are some enteratining reading. This appears to be Ms Blackmore's first book which is a shocker as the character building, growth and the two women's dialogue, especially in the High School, are remarkable.
The second part of the story has Cassidy as some sort of detective investigating the charity where Sarah works. Cassidy cannot say why she is suddenly working there and has never lied to Sarah before so she walks a fine line as their relationship heats up again. She has lost most of her worries and self-doubt but how can she have a relationship with Sarah if she's investigating her charity?
Characters
The characters in this make the story and by characters I mean Cassidy and Sarah. There isn't much in the way of supporting characters. The descriptions of Cassidy's thoughts and and Sarah's perceptiveness really are some enteratining reading. This appears to be Ms Blackmore's first book which is a shocker as the character building, growth and the two women's dialogue, especially in the High School, are remarkable.
September 13, 2017
Story Outline:
A young High School senior who has been dragged around the country with barely any notice enters into a LA High School where she meets the opposite of the mean girls. In fact she meets someone who has it all, looks, intelligence, perception and an interest in Cazz soon after the two meet. Cassidy has the looks and intelligence but is dragged down at every turn by self-doubt and a crippling shyness. Just when their relationship is headed toward something of great value Cassidy's father is transferred again and they have to move like right now. And they do, without Cassidy or Sarah having the discussion which could have changed their lives.
The second part of the story has Cassidy as some sort of detective investigating the charity where Sarah works. Cassidy cannot say why she is suddenly working there and has never lied to Sarah before so she walks a fine line as their relationship heats up again. She has lost most of her worries and self-doubt but how can she have a relationship with Sarah if she's investigating her charity?
Characters
The characters in this make the story and by characters I mean Cassidy and Sarah. There isn't much in the way of supporting characters. The descriptions of Cassidy's thoughts and and Sarah's perceptiveness really are some enteratining reading. This appears to be Ms Blackmore's first book which is a shocker as the character building, growth and the two women's dialogue, especially in the High School, are remarkable.
A young High School senior who has been dragged around the country with barely any notice enters into a LA High School where she meets the opposite of the mean girls. In fact she meets someone who has it all, looks, intelligence, perception and an interest in Cazz soon after the two meet. Cassidy has the looks and intelligence but is dragged down at every turn by self-doubt and a crippling shyness. Just when their relationship is headed toward something of great value Cassidy's father is transferred again and they have to move like right now. And they do, without Cassidy or Sarah having the discussion which could have changed their lives.
The second part of the story has Cassidy as some sort of detective investigating the charity where Sarah works. Cassidy cannot say why she is suddenly working there and has never lied to Sarah before so she walks a fine line as their relationship heats up again. She has lost most of her worries and self-doubt but how can she have a relationship with Sarah if she's investigating her charity?
Characters
The characters in this make the story and by characters I mean Cassidy and Sarah. There isn't much in the way of supporting characters. The descriptions of Cassidy's thoughts and and Sarah's perceptiveness really are some enteratining reading. This appears to be Ms Blackmore's first book which is a shocker as the character building, growth and the two women's dialogue, especially in the High School, are remarkable.
December 14, 2017
There's something very appealing about a love story which starts in teenagehood and lives on decades later. It plays into the whole notion of having soul mates and one true love. Cazz, a fraud investigator, is sent undercover to a fundraising organisation to examine the books. On arrival she discovers the CEO is the girl from high school, the one she couldn't forget.
Against a backdrop of finances, fraud and embezzlement, Cazz and Sarah begin rebuilding their friendship. I usually struggle with finance stories as I feel my eyes glazing over but in this one the fraud was either simplified enough for me to get it or the rest was interesting enough for me not to get hung up on it.
An enjoyable read.
Against a backdrop of finances, fraud and embezzlement, Cazz and Sarah begin rebuilding their friendship. I usually struggle with finance stories as I feel my eyes glazing over but in this one the fraud was either simplified enough for me to get it or the rest was interesting enough for me not to get hung up on it.
An enjoyable read.
October 31, 2016
This book opens with an introduction of Cazz as an investigator getting called in by LAPD to determine whether embezzlement is occurring at a high-profile charitable foundation in the area. But quickly thereafter we travel back in time, to where Cazz is starting her first day at a new school (a theme familiar to anyone raised in a military family) where she meets the enigmatic Sarah Perkins. They begin an oft-times competitive relationship that develops into something more. The book is told from Cazz’s point-of-view, which can be problematic, not having access to other characters’ emotional state and experiences. It works well here, since we are witnessing a lot of Cazz’s internal struggle, whereas Sarah tends to be much more forthright in her interactions.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, as there was a good balance between angst and a realistic development of their relationship. Nothing felt very rushed and the emotional connection pulled me in right away. However, the second half of the book takes a different direction. Cazz in present-day is trying to investigate the embezzlement happening in Sarah’s charitable foundation (I never did figure out what the charity actually raised money for, aside from ‘helping people’). A main problem I had was how quickly I figured out who was embezzling (within seconds of Cazz entering the building), so the investigation was very secondary. Really, the most interesting parts of the book all dealt with the relationship between Cazz and Sarah, and I sincerely questioned Cazz’s ability as an investigator.
I understand the need to have a mechanism for the two characters to come together after a long separation, but adding intrigue to the plot really didn’t add anything to the story for me. If anything, I believe it detracted from what was working so well with the flow in the first half. I feel as though it could have benefited from taking the criminal component completely out and keeping it as straight romance. The author excelled at that aspect, but the dependence on the investigation took away what could have been a better-developed reawakening of their feelings. I normally enjoy romantic intrigue quite a bit, but I found myself frustrated (or bored) with most things Cazz did in the investigation.
For the romance alone, it was a good first novel by Heather Blackmore, and I did like it. If it was pure romance I would have probably loved it. I will definitely pick up more by her in the future to see how the author progresses, because I saw a lot of potential.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, as there was a good balance between angst and a realistic development of their relationship. Nothing felt very rushed and the emotional connection pulled me in right away. However, the second half of the book takes a different direction. Cazz in present-day is trying to investigate the embezzlement happening in Sarah’s charitable foundation (I never did figure out what the charity actually raised money for, aside from ‘helping people’). A main problem I had was how quickly I figured out who was embezzling (within seconds of Cazz entering the building), so the investigation was very secondary. Really, the most interesting parts of the book all dealt with the relationship between Cazz and Sarah, and I sincerely questioned Cazz’s ability as an investigator.
I understand the need to have a mechanism for the two characters to come together after a long separation, but adding intrigue to the plot really didn’t add anything to the story for me. If anything, I believe it detracted from what was working so well with the flow in the first half. I feel as though it could have benefited from taking the criminal component completely out and keeping it as straight romance. The author excelled at that aspect, but the dependence on the investigation took away what could have been a better-developed reawakening of their feelings. I normally enjoy romantic intrigue quite a bit, but I found myself frustrated (or bored) with most things Cazz did in the investigation.
For the romance alone, it was a good first novel by Heather Blackmore, and I did like it. If it was pure romance I would have probably loved it. I will definitely pick up more by her in the future to see how the author progresses, because I saw a lot of potential.
May 22, 2015
Wonderful first novel.
A great romance with a HEA, this author knows how to write both character and plot. Nothing rushed or out of kilter. The criminal investigation served its purpose of bringing Cazz and Sarah together admirable.
Looking forward to whatever this author writes next.
A great romance with a HEA, this author knows how to write both character and plot. Nothing rushed or out of kilter. The criminal investigation served its purpose of bringing Cazz and Sarah together admirable.
Looking forward to whatever this author writes next.
Read
February 5, 2018I’ve read this before I don’t know why I don’t have a rating yet. I can still remember parts of the book which is a good sign. Going to check this out again.
December 19, 2013
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for approving my request to view this title.
Unfortunately thus romance fell a little flat for me. There were bits I liked - like seeing the high school history of Sarah and Cazz's relationship and how it began, and when the two of them were together the romance was hot.
But it took far too long for anything to actually happen I found it irritating. I also got sick of hearing how wonderful and amazing and special Sarah was. The same problems kept popping ups bad it became a little annoying. I also found the embezzlement mystery dull and uninteresting and it wrapped up way too quickly and conveniently.
So I guess in the end this particular book was just not my cup of tea. While the plot wasn't for me it was very well written and I would definitely read something by this author again.
Unfortunately thus romance fell a little flat for me. There were bits I liked - like seeing the high school history of Sarah and Cazz's relationship and how it began, and when the two of them were together the romance was hot.
But it took far too long for anything to actually happen I found it irritating. I also got sick of hearing how wonderful and amazing and special Sarah was. The same problems kept popping ups bad it became a little annoying. I also found the embezzlement mystery dull and uninteresting and it wrapped up way too quickly and conveniently.
So I guess in the end this particular book was just not my cup of tea. While the plot wasn't for me it was very well written and I would definitely read something by this author again.
November 13, 2013
The prologue was a little strange and somehow a little confusing, but I thought I give the story a chance and ... I wasn't disappointed at all. I fell in love with the main characters and you learn how their story together started (and abruptly ended) during their senior year. They meet again by accident and realize that they have found the missing piece. I don't want to tell more, I was completely captivated by it! Thumbs up!
December 14, 2013
I love the dynamics between the two characters, if the fiction could have been longer and with more depth into the description of the characters, i would have given it a 5 stars. Nonetheless, I will certainly recommend this book to anyone who wanted a heart warming read over the weekend.
September 26, 2019
Really Good!
I really enjoyed this one. Maybe everyone was a bit too perfect, but sometimes that's what romance is for.
I prefer stand-alone novels to series but I was sorry to see this story end.
Definitely an author I'm returning to.
I really enjoyed this one. Maybe everyone was a bit too perfect, but sometimes that's what romance is for.
I prefer stand-alone novels to series but I was sorry to see this story end.
Definitely an author I'm returning to.
February 3, 2020
Blackmore is a gifted writer. The character development in the first part of this book is brilliant and made for a lovely story. High school seniors meet and something wonderful happens - the girls just aren’t sure what it is. One of them must leave school abruptly and can’t bring herself to say goodbye. Ten years pass and they meet again when one women is investigating the others not for profit. This part of the story, the adult part, isn’t has well done as the other, but the initial writing makes the whole book worth reading. Blackmore should try writing for young lesbians. She sure has a knack for it. I was drawn into this book and could hardly put it down. Enjoy!
July 14, 2022
i hate char for being right 😒
February 14, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:
This wasn’t quite the book I was expecting, but once I got over the surprise of the author’s plotting choices, the whole held together really well. So often the ‘reunited after years apart’ trope is played out entirely in the present, with the prior relationship shown only through dialogue and flashbacks. In contrast here, we’re shown the point of view of the heroine’s adult present briefly, in a prologue. Then we get to watch the whole of her teenage relationship unfold and come crashing down before being returned to the present where we witness the less-than-welcome reunion between both heroines, followed by the building tension as they attempt to overcome romantic and professional difficulties while their unknown enemy becomes ever more threatening.
Cassidy Warner (Cazz – ‘pronounced like Jazz, but with a C’) is a civilian investigator working with LAPD and frequently goes undercover to flush out corporate fraudsters. Her latest assignment comes direct from the chief and has been initiated by a request from one of his close friends. Cazz sees this as her big chance to earn the promotion she’s been working for; then she can move away from L.A. and her not entirely happy memories of the previous time she spent living there as a teenager.
Back then, as the daughter of a high-ranking army officer, Cazz grows up with frequent long-distance relocations and their associated upheavals, such as continually changing schools, often partway through the academic year. One of these moves brings her to L.A., where she develops first an intense rivalry and then a close friendship with the most popular girl in her year, Sarah Perkins. Cazz’s feelings for Sarah evolve into an intense crush, and it seems that Sarah might reciprocate, but then Cazz’s family is moved on again with very short notice, and she never manages to say goodbye properly or even to write to Sarah afterwards. Ten years later, Cazz’s latest investigation turns out to centre on the philanthropic organisation founded by Sarah’s father.
Sarah believes wholeheartedly in her father’s work, having attended receptions with him (and once also with Cazz) while she was growing up, and now returning to work less than a week after his death in an accident. She initially appears not to recognise Cazz, who turns up for a job interview, only to be given the brush-off by the hiring manager, but insists that Cazz is taken on in spite of the man’s insistence that no vacancy exists.
The two women re-establish an uneasy friendship that keeps almost developing into more, but with extreme wariness on both sides to make the first move; Cazz worries that she can’t tell Sarah why she’s really there, and Sarah has had her heart broken twice already – once by Cazz and once by a fiancé who wanted her to give up the work she did for the foundation once they were married – and so can’t bring herself to risk being hurt again.
Meanwhile, Cazz is uncovering a complex series of underhand dealings, with one obvious suspect. Just as she almost has the proof she needs, she’s ordered off the case as it’s becoming too dangerous a situation for a civilian, but by that time she’s already had her cover blown. How she gets out of imminent danger and how she and Sarah finally pull together a happy ending is very slickly done, although I find myself wanting more at times.
Overall, I can’t believe that this is the author’s first book, and I shall be looking out for her next release with great anticipation. She makes accountancy and fraud investigation interesting, which is astounding in itself, even though the book as a whole could have done with a couple of extra scenes to expand on various character interactions that are only hinted at in the story we get. Definitely recommended.
This wasn’t quite the book I was expecting, but once I got over the surprise of the author’s plotting choices, the whole held together really well. So often the ‘reunited after years apart’ trope is played out entirely in the present, with the prior relationship shown only through dialogue and flashbacks. In contrast here, we’re shown the point of view of the heroine’s adult present briefly, in a prologue. Then we get to watch the whole of her teenage relationship unfold and come crashing down before being returned to the present where we witness the less-than-welcome reunion between both heroines, followed by the building tension as they attempt to overcome romantic and professional difficulties while their unknown enemy becomes ever more threatening.
Cassidy Warner (Cazz – ‘pronounced like Jazz, but with a C’) is a civilian investigator working with LAPD and frequently goes undercover to flush out corporate fraudsters. Her latest assignment comes direct from the chief and has been initiated by a request from one of his close friends. Cazz sees this as her big chance to earn the promotion she’s been working for; then she can move away from L.A. and her not entirely happy memories of the previous time she spent living there as a teenager.
Back then, as the daughter of a high-ranking army officer, Cazz grows up with frequent long-distance relocations and their associated upheavals, such as continually changing schools, often partway through the academic year. One of these moves brings her to L.A., where she develops first an intense rivalry and then a close friendship with the most popular girl in her year, Sarah Perkins. Cazz’s feelings for Sarah evolve into an intense crush, and it seems that Sarah might reciprocate, but then Cazz’s family is moved on again with very short notice, and she never manages to say goodbye properly or even to write to Sarah afterwards. Ten years later, Cazz’s latest investigation turns out to centre on the philanthropic organisation founded by Sarah’s father.
Sarah believes wholeheartedly in her father’s work, having attended receptions with him (and once also with Cazz) while she was growing up, and now returning to work less than a week after his death in an accident. She initially appears not to recognise Cazz, who turns up for a job interview, only to be given the brush-off by the hiring manager, but insists that Cazz is taken on in spite of the man’s insistence that no vacancy exists.
The two women re-establish an uneasy friendship that keeps almost developing into more, but with extreme wariness on both sides to make the first move; Cazz worries that she can’t tell Sarah why she’s really there, and Sarah has had her heart broken twice already – once by Cazz and once by a fiancé who wanted her to give up the work she did for the foundation once they were married – and so can’t bring herself to risk being hurt again.
Meanwhile, Cazz is uncovering a complex series of underhand dealings, with one obvious suspect. Just as she almost has the proof she needs, she’s ordered off the case as it’s becoming too dangerous a situation for a civilian, but by that time she’s already had her cover blown. How she gets out of imminent danger and how she and Sarah finally pull together a happy ending is very slickly done, although I find myself wanting more at times.
Overall, I can’t believe that this is the author’s first book, and I shall be looking out for her next release with great anticipation. She makes accountancy and fraud investigation interesting, which is astounding in itself, even though the book as a whole could have done with a couple of extra scenes to expand on various character interactions that are only hinted at in the story we get. Definitely recommended.
January 6, 2014
Oh, wondrous delight! Bold Strokes Books has another new author whose first novel reads as if a veteran's masterful hand were actually at the helm. Tautness, tension, vulnerability, innocence, mystery, and intrigue. My cup runneth over! After a prologue, I was re-introduced to the main gal who is just the most delightful 'military brat' I have ever encountered and finds herself bursting with overwhelming sexual awakenings from a rather unexpected source. Additionally, since she hardly ever gets to spend an entire school year in one location, she has acquired a voracious reading skill and study technique that puts her neck and neck in the 'top smarty-pants award' category. Oh my dear, neck and neck with Sarah, front runner for the Homecoming Queen who is just the person that has sent roaring waves of powerful newly awakened sensual sensations much to the amazement of the 'military brat', new girl Cassidy. This book is a top of the line winner that grabbed me, held me, and more than entertained me from start to finish!
We first meet Cassidy Warner, Cazz for short...just like 'Jazz'...having done a stint as a SEC examiner. She is sent to LA to participate in a civilian-investigation program, because of her expertise in uncovering fraud and embezzlement. She is being partnered with the Commercial Crimes Division of the LAPD under the aegis of a two-year pilot civilian-investigation program. That is the current day scenario presented to us in the prologue. Pretty good stuff. However, then we get the juicy and wondrous senior year shenanigans as part of a flashback to give us the necessary data on how Cazz and Sarah Perkins become competitors and good friends. For Cazz, Sarah blossoms into the intensely overwhelming love of her life with which she hasn't a clue how to successfully deal. Then there are all the other high school senior year complications. This background interlude is simply priceless and more than adequately provides all the interesting foundation data about Cazz and Sarah.
Sarah is the daughter of a very successful man who uses fund-raisers among other things to finance the good works sponsored by her dad's foundation. Sarah adores her father and has her eye on following in his footsteps. Of course, she could possibly be empress of the world giving the way she has charted her high school accomplishments. Yet, she does this with exactly the same aplomb her father utilizes to win over and convince rich personages to invest in his foundation. They are a totally astounding father/daughter team, even when Sarah is still a high school senior. Sarah seems flawless and she continually confounds Cazz with her unaware yet spectacular sexual attraction and as a solid friend who tries to help the 'new girl' realize she is a total knockout in her own right.
Prologues and flashbacks can be tricky functions to meld together and keep the reader in balance plus comfortably aware of just enough to support that balance. Heather Blackmore skillfully and intriguingly manages this, making this first book of hers even more astonishing. I bow to and applaud her remarkable success. I totally recommend this book; it is capable of being enjoyed on many levels, from different angles, and in its totality. Please do not miss this thoroughly satisfying book!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
We first meet Cassidy Warner, Cazz for short...just like 'Jazz'...having done a stint as a SEC examiner. She is sent to LA to participate in a civilian-investigation program, because of her expertise in uncovering fraud and embezzlement. She is being partnered with the Commercial Crimes Division of the LAPD under the aegis of a two-year pilot civilian-investigation program. That is the current day scenario presented to us in the prologue. Pretty good stuff. However, then we get the juicy and wondrous senior year shenanigans as part of a flashback to give us the necessary data on how Cazz and Sarah Perkins become competitors and good friends. For Cazz, Sarah blossoms into the intensely overwhelming love of her life with which she hasn't a clue how to successfully deal. Then there are all the other high school senior year complications. This background interlude is simply priceless and more than adequately provides all the interesting foundation data about Cazz and Sarah.
Sarah is the daughter of a very successful man who uses fund-raisers among other things to finance the good works sponsored by her dad's foundation. Sarah adores her father and has her eye on following in his footsteps. Of course, she could possibly be empress of the world giving the way she has charted her high school accomplishments. Yet, she does this with exactly the same aplomb her father utilizes to win over and convince rich personages to invest in his foundation. They are a totally astounding father/daughter team, even when Sarah is still a high school senior. Sarah seems flawless and she continually confounds Cazz with her unaware yet spectacular sexual attraction and as a solid friend who tries to help the 'new girl' realize she is a total knockout in her own right.
Prologues and flashbacks can be tricky functions to meld together and keep the reader in balance plus comfortably aware of just enough to support that balance. Heather Blackmore skillfully and intriguingly manages this, making this first book of hers even more astonishing. I bow to and applaud her remarkable success. I totally recommend this book; it is capable of being enjoyed on many levels, from different angles, and in its totality. Please do not miss this thoroughly satisfying book!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 15, 2022
omg cazz&sarah ily forever
February 4, 2021
Heather Blackmore is an author we just cannot get enough of. Her stories are beautifully thought-out and developed, her pacing is excellent and most importantly, her MCs are girls we usually fall in love with (well, we fall in love with at least one of her MCs in each book). Blackmore is gifted in the way she develops relationships, creates and navigates through complexes that the characters have and shows the interaction between the two leading ladies. This one is a mixture of high-school coming-of-age, popular-girl-awkward-new-girl, mystery, romance, slow burn, angst and HEA.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 5, 2017
everything about this book is awesome. the past story , the friendship , the feelings - everything
the best thing about this book is that it didn't end with arrest of the villain , the couple had trust issues and they worked on it and we even had an epilogue - i feel spoiled because other authors miss it
the best thing about this book is that it didn't end with arrest of the villain , the couple had trust issues and they worked on it and we even had an epilogue - i feel spoiled because other authors miss it
December 7, 2013
The writing for Like Jazz is smart and witty with a sense of humor that is dry and sarcastic. While I do not read many romance novels, when I do I want girl on girl that captures the heart and Like Jazz did the job. I stayed up too late to complete the book.
December 30, 2014
Engaging plot. I appreciated the fact that the past was the first chunk of the book and the remainder was the present. I always have a hard time getting into books when they jump back and forth from past to present throughout the book and I am glad the author didn't do this.
June 6, 2018
This is a well-written romance about a long lost love. The thing that i didn't expect was how much I liked the first half of the book (usually I avoid reading novels about teenagers..).
I didn't like communication between the main characters neither in the past nor in the present and non-existent obstacles which prevented them from being together the second half of the book.
I also understood that Sarah, since her childhood, was extremely close to her father, that he was like a perfect example to her, so after his sudden death I assumed she was supposed to be devastated. Right after Cassady met Sarah again and they went out and she learned about her father's death, she occasionally has been asking Sarah "what was wrong", "why she seemed strange".. Not even once Sarah's feeling about the death were mentioned. Throughout the book we see only Cassidy's side of the story and I can say she thinks a lot and sometimes even too much, and again not even once she took into consideration Sarah's feelings about the sudden death of her father. Not sure if i expressed myself well but it really seemed strange to me.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading it and would like to read more books by the author.
I didn't like communication between the main characters neither in the past nor in the present and non-existent obstacles which prevented them from being together the second half of the book.
I also understood that Sarah, since her childhood, was extremely close to her father, that he was like a perfect example to her, so after his sudden death I assumed she was supposed to be devastated. Right after Cassady met Sarah again and they went out and she learned about her father's death, she occasionally has been asking Sarah "what was wrong", "why she seemed strange".. Not even once Sarah's feeling about the death were mentioned. Throughout the book we see only Cassidy's side of the story and I can say she thinks a lot and sometimes even too much, and again not even once she took into consideration Sarah's feelings about the sudden death of her father. Not sure if i expressed myself well but it really seemed strange to me.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading it and would like to read more books by the author.
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