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Along The Mystic River
Riley, a New-York workaholic, has health issues and that leaves her no choice but to move to a small town to lead a calmer life. She hates the huge mansion she bought on a whim and stands out like a sore thumb in the cheery community of Mystic.
Quinn, a Mystic-based contractor, has once again missed out on purchasing the house her family built. After saving up for years, she’s still not able to buy back her childhood home that her grandfather lost years ago.
When a beautiful and swanky city girl who has no respect for the house’s history buys it without even viewing it, Quinn decides she has no place in Mystic, yet she can’t seem to stay away…
Quinn, a Mystic-based contractor, has once again missed out on purchasing the house her family built. After saving up for years, she’s still not able to buy back her childhood home that her grandfather lost years ago.
When a beautiful and swanky city girl who has no respect for the house’s history buys it without even viewing it, Quinn decides she has no place in Mystic, yet she can’t seem to stay away…
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
229 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
50 books688 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 6, 2023
An exceptional read!
A workaholic from New York, a local contractor, a big old house in the charming coastal town Mystic and lovely supportive family and friends. I loved how they take the time and effort to build a strong relationship. I loved the chemistry and the passion. Actually, I loved everything form the beginning to the end. Along The Mystic River is a perfect love story filled with heart, humor and loads of feel good vibes: Lise Gold never fail to impress.
A workaholic from New York, a local contractor, a big old house in the charming coastal town Mystic and lovely supportive family and friends. I loved how they take the time and effort to build a strong relationship. I loved the chemistry and the passion. Actually, I loved everything form the beginning to the end. Along The Mystic River is a perfect love story filled with heart, humor and loads of feel good vibes: Lise Gold never fail to impress.
February 2, 2024
Kudos to Gold for not having a third act breakup.
But what in the world is up with the writing? Why have American characters set in America and then use the English version of words? Plus some sentences weren’t structured/written in a way Americans would say them.
But what in the world is up with the writing? Why have American characters set in America and then use the English version of words? Plus some sentences weren’t structured/written in a way Americans would say them.
September 28, 2023
Feel good romance, low on the angst.
Plus points to the author for not including an unnecessary break-up.
Plus points to the author for not including an unnecessary break-up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Lovely, flowing story from Lise Gold about grown ups who act like grown ups. A welcome respite. Thank you. Recommended.
March 4, 2024
Who doesn’t love a book that makes you cry in a good way?!
This book has popped up on my suggested reading for weeks and I avoided it because it sounded like the typical 25yr old snarky rich city girl meets the homely 23yr old home girl with muscles. Dear reader, this book does not fit into that trope!
I loved that the house is the main character of this book and I loved how it makes you feel that we can all find our home. Wherever that may be. I needed this book today and once again, Lise Gold has delivered another book that hits in all of the feels.
This book has popped up on my suggested reading for weeks and I avoided it because it sounded like the typical 25yr old snarky rich city girl meets the homely 23yr old home girl with muscles. Dear reader, this book does not fit into that trope!
I loved that the house is the main character of this book and I loved how it makes you feel that we can all find our home. Wherever that may be. I needed this book today and once again, Lise Gold has delivered another book that hits in all of the feels.
August 15, 2024
A very wholesome story with no angst and a lot or personal character growth. A feel good book to battle dark moments.
September 2, 2023
A Gentle Beautiful Story Of Love And Fate
Riley, the city girl, CEO, entrepreneur, and workaholic had to sell her business because her heart couldn’t stand the stress. So she ends up in Mystic, owner of a huge timeless estate totally in need of renovation.
It’s there she meets Quinn, whose family once lived in that estate, until bankruptcy drove them from it.
Quinn has wanted to buy that big old house for years but could never afford it. And now, this rich New Yorker has bought it and it might be years before it comes on the market again.
Quinn starts out resentful of Riley, but there’s chemistry between them, chemistry that draws them together, that overcomes Quinn’s initial reluctance.
This is the story of them coming together and building a life together, a life that Riley could never have imagined and that Quinn never expected.
This was a beautiful gentle read, and I recommend this book.
Riley, the city girl, CEO, entrepreneur, and workaholic had to sell her business because her heart couldn’t stand the stress. So she ends up in Mystic, owner of a huge timeless estate totally in need of renovation.
It’s there she meets Quinn, whose family once lived in that estate, until bankruptcy drove them from it.
Quinn has wanted to buy that big old house for years but could never afford it. And now, this rich New Yorker has bought it and it might be years before it comes on the market again.
Quinn starts out resentful of Riley, but there’s chemistry between them, chemistry that draws them together, that overcomes Quinn’s initial reluctance.
This is the story of them coming together and building a life together, a life that Riley could never have imagined and that Quinn never expected.
This was a beautiful gentle read, and I recommend this book.
September 1, 2023
It is not often that a story like this leaps off the pages at me. Perhaps it is the so familiar setting of Mystic, CT or just the story tellers skill…
Lise Gold has delivered a delightful tale in beautiful style that captured my memories and my heart. The setting of Mystic CT is perfect for this love story. It is strange to me as I think about it, but I spent years in NYC in med school and have spent many visits to Mystic over my life. My wife and I spent many very happy times in Mystic. I suppose that connection may influence me more than others to enjoy this book. Regardless, the writing is skillful, the written visuals have flare and it is a great story that all marries together into a solid good read.
Lise Gold has delivered a delightful tale in beautiful style that captured my memories and my heart. The setting of Mystic CT is perfect for this love story. It is strange to me as I think about it, but I spent years in NYC in med school and have spent many visits to Mystic over my life. My wife and I spent many very happy times in Mystic. I suppose that connection may influence me more than others to enjoy this book. Regardless, the writing is skillful, the written visuals have flare and it is a great story that all marries together into a solid good read.
October 9, 2023
3.5 Stars
August 27, 2023
Another 5 starts for Lise Gold! This is truly a heartwarming story. The whole time I was reading this book, I just felt warm and fuzzy.
Its a heartwarming story about family,friends and of course love. I truly appreciate Lise Gold’s writing, how there aren’t too much drama and just about two people meeting each other and eventually falling in love with one another. I also love the side characters, both Quinn and Riley’s family and friends.
This book makes me want to move to Mystic 😅 I truly loved this one! I can’t wait to read the next Lise Gold book! Definitely recommend!
Its a heartwarming story about family,friends and of course love. I truly appreciate Lise Gold’s writing, how there aren’t too much drama and just about two people meeting each other and eventually falling in love with one another. I also love the side characters, both Quinn and Riley’s family and friends.
This book makes me want to move to Mystic 😅 I truly loved this one! I can’t wait to read the next Lise Gold book! Definitely recommend!
June 4, 2024
Soo beautiful! It's the book I was eager to find. Low on the angst, sweet, comfy. Lovely story for a hectic week.
September 27, 2023
I loved Quinn’s character from her first scene, though it took a bit longer for Riley to grow on me. Gold, however, developed both characters nicely throughout the story. She did well in describing a picture-perfect location through the eyes of Quinn. The purple asters in our local park have recently bloomed which gave me a mental image of what an entire field of them would look like. Kind of cool, to be honest.
Gold’s storyline was lovely, though I sometimes felt confused with the timeline. I found a few phrases that I thought were more likely from her native country and that threw me a bit. I don’t offer any spoilers and perhaps that is just my observation.
I wouldn’t strictly call this an enemies-to-lovers story; for me it was more about the slow development of their friendship as the story progressed and how their relationship grew. I honestly enjoyed that. Just sayin’.
Gold’s storyline was lovely, though I sometimes felt confused with the timeline. I found a few phrases that I thought were more likely from her native country and that threw me a bit. I don’t offer any spoilers and perhaps that is just my observation.
I wouldn’t strictly call this an enemies-to-lovers story; for me it was more about the slow development of their friendship as the story progressed and how their relationship grew. I honestly enjoyed that. Just sayin’.
February 15, 2025
3,5 stars if I could. It’s not a bad story, it’s well written but a really smooth and gentle read. Maybe a bit much for my taste.
September 5, 2023
This is a heartwarming love story about Riley, a successful businesswoman who sold her business and moved to the little town of Mystic, CT for health reasons. And Quinn, a contractor who grew up in the house that Riley bought. Quinn always hoped she'd be able to buy Aster House for herself but didn't have the money.
The two women meet at the pizza parlor first, then outside the hardware store. And that's the beginning of a great story. The secondary characters are all wonderful too. I found this book heartwarming and give it 5 stars!
The two women meet at the pizza parlor first, then outside the hardware store. And that's the beginning of a great story. The secondary characters are all wonderful too. I found this book heartwarming and give it 5 stars!
July 23, 2024
Riley had never had a successful relationship with a man and didn’t think she was into women, but she noticed that Quinn was always eying her. Quinn had a reputation for turning straight women. Such was the theme of this book—the romantic, sensual, slow burn vibes of two ladies, followed by steamy moments.
I loved the low angst of this story. However, it was so overly feel-good that, at times, it felt like a Lesbian Hallmark movie.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and am lowering my rating because the narrator was overly dramatic and unconvincing with intimate scenes
I loved the low angst of this story. However, it was so overly feel-good that, at times, it felt like a Lesbian Hallmark movie.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and am lowering my rating because the narrator was overly dramatic and unconvincing with intimate scenes
October 7, 2023
This was cuteand I love a soft read, but maybe I'd have enjoyed more if there was a bit more conflict.
December 4, 2023
Along the mystic river by Lisa Gold introduced the main character Riley, a workaholic from New Yorker who was diagnosed with a heart condition. This diagnosis led to her making a MEGA lifestyle change and selling the business she built, and moving to the small town of Mystic River, where Aster house has been repeatedly sold but never made a home. Riley now has a two story home that resembles a mansion that needs a lot of TLC, no friends, and hasn’t even told her family about her heart condition let alone that she moved. Riley now has to ask herself the tough questions, what are her hobbies? What does she like? and could it be at forty years old……she might be interested in women?
Our other main character is Quinn, Aster house was originally built by her grandparents and since it was lost to settle her grandfathers debts, Quinn has worked to try to get it back, but the value of the house has only ever gotten higher and higher, and Quinn has never been able to save enough for the down payment.
She lives life as the single queer woman in town, hooking up with women who pass through the town while on vacation. Earning a reputation for turning straight women……it was one time people. Quinn wants to avoid Riley at first, she’s just another bored town person who’s buying her house and will sell when they realize small town life isn’t for them. Except she can’t seem to stay away and Riley needs friends.
I read this ebook that is currently available for free for kindle unlimited subscribers. This was my first novel by this author and she might have a loyal reader out of me. It’s a story about starting over and recent events in my life made this a touching story. Flirting is top tier in my opinion, I would squeal when our two love interests would flirt with each other like, it’s 2 AM and I am screaming into my pillow saying that SMOOTH! It really showed no matter what age you are or how long you have been out of the dating game, it’s just as hard when you're in your 20s as when you're in your 40s. Plus, a great way to also show you're never too old to start over, and don’t forget the important things in life aren’t the dollars in the bank account. Riley worked hard but when health scares started she didn’t have friends to hold her hand and she had strained her relationship with her family. It really makes you step back and look at your life. Did you make an effort with your loved ones? How many times have you canceled a visit? When was the last time you spoke? Also making friends can be as easy as asking them to join you for a meal or a cup of coffee.
That being said my final star rating is 4 out 5 because I felt that the scenes that should have been more powerful, more emotion packed were dull. That could be just me though.
Our other main character is Quinn, Aster house was originally built by her grandparents and since it was lost to settle her grandfathers debts, Quinn has worked to try to get it back, but the value of the house has only ever gotten higher and higher, and Quinn has never been able to save enough for the down payment.
She lives life as the single queer woman in town, hooking up with women who pass through the town while on vacation. Earning a reputation for turning straight women……it was one time people. Quinn wants to avoid Riley at first, she’s just another bored town person who’s buying her house and will sell when they realize small town life isn’t for them. Except she can’t seem to stay away and Riley needs friends.
I read this ebook that is currently available for free for kindle unlimited subscribers. This was my first novel by this author and she might have a loyal reader out of me. It’s a story about starting over and recent events in my life made this a touching story. Flirting is top tier in my opinion, I would squeal when our two love interests would flirt with each other like, it’s 2 AM and I am screaming into my pillow saying that SMOOTH! It really showed no matter what age you are or how long you have been out of the dating game, it’s just as hard when you're in your 20s as when you're in your 40s. Plus, a great way to also show you're never too old to start over, and don’t forget the important things in life aren’t the dollars in the bank account. Riley worked hard but when health scares started she didn’t have friends to hold her hand and she had strained her relationship with her family. It really makes you step back and look at your life. Did you make an effort with your loved ones? How many times have you canceled a visit? When was the last time you spoke? Also making friends can be as easy as asking them to join you for a meal or a cup of coffee.
That being said my final star rating is 4 out 5 because I felt that the scenes that should have been more powerful, more emotion packed were dull. That could be just me though.
October 11, 2025
After two dangerous and traumatic health scares, Riley has been forced to sell her top management consultancy company in NYC, and with the help of her assistant she bought Aster House, a grand house in the small town of Mystic, sight unseen. She had been working herself into the ground, and ignoring all her family connections. Her sister, niece and her father were distant figures, and she had neglected her few friends. Riley’s only objective had been growing her company and making money. But because of her near fatal heart condition, she was retiring to the countryside at age forty.
Quinn lives in Mystic in her narrowboat, moored within sight of Aster House. The house has been empty for a couple of years after the previous owners left, and Quinn has been desperate to buy it, so it is back in her family. It was built by her great-grandparents, and she spent most of her youth there living with her grandparents. She had the fondest memories of the house viewed through the rose-tinted glasses of time. Because of financial problems her family lost the house three decades earlier, and it had been through a series of owners since, but had never been well cared for. Quinn is a general contractor with her own team of workers, and she has been saving for years to buy the house back and restore it to its former glory - hence living in a narrowboat to save money. When Riley moves into the house, Quinn can’t keep away, finding reasons to visit, and slowly falling for straight Riley.
Their romance is slow and gentle; we see Riley trying to work on the house herself, and Quinn being there to help her. We also see Quinn’s family and friends trying to persuade her that the house isn’t the most important thing. Eventually both women realise that what they have been concentrating so much on is not really important in life - success and business for Riley, and Aster House for Quinn. Instead they realise the importance of family, and especially each other.
A lovely gentle story, with a lot of history and a lot of love.
Quinn lives in Mystic in her narrowboat, moored within sight of Aster House. The house has been empty for a couple of years after the previous owners left, and Quinn has been desperate to buy it, so it is back in her family. It was built by her great-grandparents, and she spent most of her youth there living with her grandparents. She had the fondest memories of the house viewed through the rose-tinted glasses of time. Because of financial problems her family lost the house three decades earlier, and it had been through a series of owners since, but had never been well cared for. Quinn is a general contractor with her own team of workers, and she has been saving for years to buy the house back and restore it to its former glory - hence living in a narrowboat to save money. When Riley moves into the house, Quinn can’t keep away, finding reasons to visit, and slowly falling for straight Riley.
Their romance is slow and gentle; we see Riley trying to work on the house herself, and Quinn being there to help her. We also see Quinn’s family and friends trying to persuade her that the house isn’t the most important thing. Eventually both women realise that what they have been concentrating so much on is not really important in life - success and business for Riley, and Aster House for Quinn. Instead they realise the importance of family, and especially each other.
A lovely gentle story, with a lot of history and a lot of love.
August 8, 2024
Romance has never been so picturesque :)
A skillfully written toaster-oven romance located in a Hallmark small-town postcard.
Both MCs have perfect families. Both MCs are honest and uncomplicated and fall quickly in love with each other. It just feels a bit flat when everything is so perfect.
The town is open-minded, welcoming, friendly, and picture-perfect.
There's no conflict to speak of. There are no obstacles in the way to stop the MCs from realizing their love forever. While this can happen only after the necessary hesitant steps of the newly gay MC, it is still fast enough to not be considered an obstacle.
The pacing is great. I would have appreciated a look into the further future, to find out whether they had children eventually or not…
T&T:
Tropes: toaster oven, small-town, lost inheritance, reconnecting with family, secret room
Triggers: chronic illness, mention of addiction (drinking and gambling), open-door sex scenes, grief
Rating: 3.5 stars
A skillfully written toaster-oven romance located in a Hallmark small-town postcard.
Both MCs have perfect families. Both MCs are honest and uncomplicated and fall quickly in love with each other. It just feels a bit flat when everything is so perfect.
The town is open-minded, welcoming, friendly, and picture-perfect.
There's no conflict to speak of. There are no obstacles in the way to stop the MCs from realizing their love forever. While this can happen only after the necessary hesitant steps of the newly gay MC, it is still fast enough to not be considered an obstacle.
The pacing is great. I would have appreciated a look into the further future, to find out whether they had children eventually or not…
T&T:
Tropes: toaster oven, small-town, lost inheritance, reconnecting with family, secret room
Triggers: chronic illness, mention of addiction (drinking and gambling), open-door sex scenes, grief
Rating: 3.5 stars
September 8, 2023
Lise Gold is one of my top favorite authors. This story is about fate, destiny, love. The main characters are just lovely. Riley, the New York workaholic, is told by her doctors she needs to reduce stress in order for her heart to function correctly. She purchases a mansion in a small town in the NE. Quinn, a native of Mystic and a contractor, dreams of being able to purchase her family’s estate. But it was bought by Riley.
What follows is a beautiful story. It lifts your heart, it brings a smile to your face and you don’t want the book to end.
Among her excellent stories, this might be my favorite of Lise’s books. The town, the second characters, the beautiful story will transport you to what life is all about, love.
Highly recommend.
What follows is a beautiful story. It lifts your heart, it brings a smile to your face and you don’t want the book to end.
Among her excellent stories, this might be my favorite of Lise’s books. The town, the second characters, the beautiful story will transport you to what life is all about, love.
Highly recommend.
September 12, 2024
I got to listen to the audio book from a friend, and i feel like there should have been a trigger warning or something, 1 hour in and i felt like i got a gut punch and had to stop listen. Quinn one of the main characters knowingly was with a married woman, and i despise cheaters.
The problem was that i did not expect it, i thought this would be some wholesome story, so i went in to it with that mindset, which was why it got me. I don't mind flawed characters getting character progression, but at least i know that they are bad people from the start. This just gave me whiplash.
Maybe i give this book another go in the future, now that i know what I'm getting into, but that probably wont be for a while.
The problem was that i did not expect it, i thought this would be some wholesome story, so i went in to it with that mindset, which was why it got me. I don't mind flawed characters getting character progression, but at least i know that they are bad people from the start. This just gave me whiplash.
Maybe i give this book another go in the future, now that i know what I'm getting into, but that probably wont be for a while.
September 3, 2023
A really lovely story. The characters were all very sweet and likable, and it was nice to read a no-drama romance—or at least none of the characters-get-in-their-own-way-and-nearly-destroy-everything kind.
I did get a kick out of it when I thought to myself in the very first chapter that this story set in America wasn’t written by an American (I read the author profile after finishing to confirm my suspicions). There was an instance where the wrong character’s name was used that made me go “wait, what?” and there were a couple of places where there were missing beginning or ending quotation marks, but that’s on the editor and the writing otherwise was great.
I did get a kick out of it when I thought to myself in the very first chapter that this story set in America wasn’t written by an American (I read the author profile after finishing to confirm my suspicions). There was an instance where the wrong character’s name was used that made me go “wait, what?” and there were a couple of places where there were missing beginning or ending quotation marks, but that’s on the editor and the writing otherwise was great.
July 3, 2024
Such a Stunning Love Story
This book is really wonderful. A gentle look into true love with hardly any hiccups along the way. I’ve had the book for a while and I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it. I enjoyed it so much I’m going to buy it to add to my favourites collection. Riley and Quinn are beautiful. It might have taken them a little while to get together but it worked well. I’m glad there was no silly break up or rival to get in the way. Lies Gold has a lovely way of writing. You really feel like you can see Mystic and the rich, thoughtful characters.
This book is really wonderful. A gentle look into true love with hardly any hiccups along the way. I’ve had the book for a while and I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it. I enjoyed it so much I’m going to buy it to add to my favourites collection. Riley and Quinn are beautiful. It might have taken them a little while to get together but it worked well. I’m glad there was no silly break up or rival to get in the way. Lies Gold has a lovely way of writing. You really feel like you can see Mystic and the rich, thoughtful characters.
November 25, 2024
The first half or so of this book was fantastic, and the chemistry between the characters and gradual buildup to the climax were excellent. But around more than half of the way in, it suddenly turned shockingly cheesy and boring to read with all the awkward and unnatural monologues unceremoniously dumping exposition onto the readers, and with conversations talking about nothing interesting or important between the characters, almost like they're just there as fillers to take up space. Another romance book that didn't know what to do once the sex happened, I guess.
January 19, 2025
This is my fourth novel by Lise Gold I've read, and the third I've found to be disappointing. It's a bit strange, because the one novel I liked (Western Shores) I thought was really quite good. I guess it must just be me, because of the many great reviews this book and her others have. I just found it so completely uneventful and surface-level that I struggled to be compelled by it at all. Maybe I'll give her work one more shot, if she releases another novel with the tropes I like, but I think it might just not be for me.
August 24, 2023
What a fabulous story. The setting is practically a third character. The main characters are complex and adorable.
This story sits right up there beside The Next Life as my favourite book by this author.
If you're looking for a feel-good read to immerse yourself in, a book that will leave you glowing, this is it.
This story sits right up there beside The Next Life as my favourite book by this author.
If you're looking for a feel-good read to immerse yourself in, a book that will leave you glowing, this is it.
September 5, 2023
Heartwarming
Once again, this author has provided us with amazing characters and a story that keeps the reader completely invested in the outcome. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Quinn. They each have to face a personal challenge.... Riley with discovering who she is and what she wants from life and Quinn with recognizing that sometimes dreams changing can be a good thing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves well written romances.
Once again, this author has provided us with amazing characters and a story that keeps the reader completely invested in the outcome. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Riley and Quinn. They each have to face a personal challenge.... Riley with discovering who she is and what she wants from life and Quinn with recognizing that sometimes dreams changing can be a good thing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves well written romances.
December 12, 2023
Teetering between 3 and 4 stars— 4 stars because I appreciate a sweet romance with NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP YAYYYY YAYYY!!! 3 stars because there’s actually zero conflict and it was a bit tooooo happy, for my taste. Objectively, it didn’t feel realistic, and their affections started to become cringe-worthy. HOWEVER! I do appreciate the breath of fresh air this book brings to the daunting terrain of lesfics, because lord knows these sapphic girls need to feel happy for once😭
August 29, 2023
Extremely amazing story
Another amazing book from Lise Gold, I am a huge fan of her writing as her stories are so real that create this immersive feeling of transferring the reader in the story as an observer. Real characters, wonderful dialogues, so many feelings, emotions and intense scenes. A book that I didn’t want to put down.
Another amazing book from Lise Gold, I am a huge fan of her writing as her stories are so real that create this immersive feeling of transferring the reader in the story as an observer. Real characters, wonderful dialogues, so many feelings, emotions and intense scenes. A book that I didn’t want to put down.
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