What do you think?
Rate this book
Anyone But You
An underground pipeline has ruptured, spilling oily sludge into Minnesota’s pristine Lake Bunyan. Taking the media’s heat for Nation’s Oil is Corporate Communications Director Cathryn Mack, an old pro when it comes to spinning the facts in her company’s favor.
Stuck in Duluth to handle the press during eight weeks of cleanup, she finds a silver lining when Stacie Pilardi pops up on SappHere, a mobile app that locates nearby lesbians. Stacie is smart, funny, sexy as hell, and wants a long-term relationship as much as Cathryn—which is to say, not at all.
It’s a perfect arrangement until they realize they’re rivals—Stacie is head of the Clean Energy Action Network, in town to protest the greed and recklessness of oil companies and the havoc they wreak on the environment.
It’s best for everyone involved if they end this, and that’s exactly what they intend to do. Eventually.
Stuck in Duluth to handle the press during eight weeks of cleanup, she finds a silver lining when Stacie Pilardi pops up on SappHere, a mobile app that locates nearby lesbians. Stacie is smart, funny, sexy as hell, and wants a long-term relationship as much as Cathryn—which is to say, not at all.
It’s a perfect arrangement until they realize they’re rivals—Stacie is head of the Clean Energy Action Network, in town to protest the greed and recklessness of oil companies and the havoc they wreak on the environment.
It’s best for everyone involved if they end this, and that’s exactly what they intend to do. Eventually.
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2014
17 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
K.G. MacGregor
39 books331 followersA former teacher and market research consultant, KG MacGregor holds a PhD in journalism and mass communication. Infatuation with Xena: Warrior Princess fanfiction prompted her to try her own hand at storytelling in 2002. In 2005, she signed with Bella Books, which published the Goldie Award finalist Just This Once. Her sixth Bella novel, Out of Love, won the 2007 Lambda Literary Award for Women's Romance, and the 2008 Goldie Award in Lesbian Romance. In 2009, she picked up Goldies for Without Warning (Contemporary Romance) and Secrets So Deep (Romantic Suspense).
Other honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Academy of Bards, the Alice B. Readers Appreciation Medal, and several Readers Choice Awards. An avid supporter of queer literature, KG currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Lambda Literary Foundation.
KG MacGregor divides her time between her homes in Miami and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. When she isn't writing, she's either on a hiking trail, a golf course, or if she's really lucky, a cruise ship.
Other honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Academy of Bards, the Alice B. Readers Appreciation Medal, and several Readers Choice Awards. An avid supporter of queer literature, KG currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Lambda Literary Foundation.
KG MacGregor divides her time between her homes in Miami and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. When she isn't writing, she's either on a hiking trail, a golf course, or if she's really lucky, a cruise ship.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 14, 2016
2.75 rounding it up to 3. I had a problem with the chemistry between the characters and the fact that they jumped into bed way early than needed. I just didn't feel the "love". What I liked about the book is the fact that it was very well researched about the oil topic and you could feel the author really aced the facts (since I don't know a lot about the oil I might be wrong here). My issue though is at a certain point I felt it was turning into a "oil spill for dummies" .. So it got a bit boring for me at times. The last couple of chapters were fun especially the "spouse" twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2016
You know what? This book is bloody good.
The oil company Cathryn Mack works for has a problem – a pipeline they own has ruptured, and the heavy crude has poured into a backcountry lake. Luckily for that oil company, Cathryn is their PR spokesperson par excellence, and the executives make haste to rush her to the site; her job is to whisper soothing nothings to the media while the tech-boys work to clean up the spill ASAP (and for cheap).
The environmental activist network Stacie Pilardi works for has a different problem – the oil company is playing dirty. The oil-spill is bigger than the company claims. It's made of a worse kind of oil, has killed more wildlife, and has poisoned more of the lake. All this Stacie is keen to expose, and the oil company is even keener to hide.
One last problem; Cathryn and Stacie have it together. They accidentally hook up via the Internet – not once, but multiple times - while they're on the job. Neither knows exactly who they're making sweet temporary love too, of course, but they're bound to find out eventually. What happens when politics and money meets environmentalism and a certain kind of love?
This is “sleeping with the enemy” at its finest. Both characters obviously respect the other, and the growth they achieve together is much more than either could have apart. Both have valid points about the needs and natures of both oil exploitation and environmentalism (although the environmental concerns are more heavily pushed, and win out in the end). Cathryn and Stacie are both nuanced, flawed characters – both are hypocritical in ways they each acknowledge but have come to accept. Both are also recognizably “good”, each telling the truth as they see it, and adjusting their thinking in light of new ideas. The characterizations are a strong part of this novel, and I was impressed with how much I cared for everyone I was supposed to care for (even to the more minor characters).
The people I wasn't supposed to care for were hilariously over-the-top caricatures, but that was fine. Having met some oil executives from Texas, the portrayals weren't entirely beyond the realm of possibility, and it was all in good fun. It also provided some fairly decent context for Cathryn, especially; you can see what she believes and why, which morphs easily into explaining the things she says and does.
This was an impressive novel; a very high four stars.
The oil company Cathryn Mack works for has a problem – a pipeline they own has ruptured, and the heavy crude has poured into a backcountry lake. Luckily for that oil company, Cathryn is their PR spokesperson par excellence, and the executives make haste to rush her to the site; her job is to whisper soothing nothings to the media while the tech-boys work to clean up the spill ASAP (and for cheap).
The environmental activist network Stacie Pilardi works for has a different problem – the oil company is playing dirty. The oil-spill is bigger than the company claims. It's made of a worse kind of oil, has killed more wildlife, and has poisoned more of the lake. All this Stacie is keen to expose, and the oil company is even keener to hide.
One last problem; Cathryn and Stacie have it together. They accidentally hook up via the Internet – not once, but multiple times - while they're on the job. Neither knows exactly who they're making sweet temporary love too, of course, but they're bound to find out eventually. What happens when politics and money meets environmentalism and a certain kind of love?
This is “sleeping with the enemy” at its finest. Both characters obviously respect the other, and the growth they achieve together is much more than either could have apart. Both have valid points about the needs and natures of both oil exploitation and environmentalism (although the environmental concerns are more heavily pushed, and win out in the end). Cathryn and Stacie are both nuanced, flawed characters – both are hypocritical in ways they each acknowledge but have come to accept. Both are also recognizably “good”, each telling the truth as they see it, and adjusting their thinking in light of new ideas. The characterizations are a strong part of this novel, and I was impressed with how much I cared for everyone I was supposed to care for (even to the more minor characters).
The people I wasn't supposed to care for were hilariously over-the-top caricatures, but that was fine. Having met some oil executives from Texas, the portrayals weren't entirely beyond the realm of possibility, and it was all in good fun. It also provided some fairly decent context for Cathryn, especially; you can see what she believes and why, which morphs easily into explaining the things she says and does.
This was an impressive novel; a very high four stars.
June 23, 2014
Stacie heads a small, Greenpeace-like organization that goes around raising community awareness and engendering support for clean energy. Her activism takes her everywhere and anywhere there is a major or minor environmental disaster. It is all very exciting and fulfilling career-wise--but wreaks havoc on the prospects of a long-term relationship for Stacie. Fortunately, her social life isn't a total zilch. There is SappHere (someone should create this ASAP, lol). As the name implies it's a mobile dating app specifically for lesbians that discreetly lets you locate a prospective date in your vicinity.
When an oil spill takes her to a remote part of the country, Stacie's trusty app turns up only one hit. Stacie has no expectations beyond a nice, anonymous hookup while she's stuck in Duluth. But they hit it off spectacularly. Her date is beautiful, accomplished, funny, witty and great in bed. Imagine her shock when she finds out she is also the devil incarnate--Cathryn Mack--the public face of the nefarious oil company she is trying to expose.
Sleeping-with-the-enemy storylines always hold such intriguing possibilities. The ladies involved are both mature and driven career women so we thankfully don't get histrionics or too much melodrama but...there is always something about forbidden love that makes it so deliciously tempting. :) Will they or won't they? And if they do...can they get away with it? Will it negate every thing they've ever stood for or fought so hard for?
The author also strikes a delicate balance between humanizing our lead characters and keeping them sympathetic. Stacie may be the pure-in-spirit do-gooder, but she's not above And Cathryn may have her heart in the right place and her ethics intact, but
In addition to the romance, we also get a very well-researched look into the inner workings of both sides of the eco vs big-business conflict. At the very least, it raised by several notches my previous estimation of eco-warriors and of course, makes me look with suspicion and skepticism at every 'press release' by government officials and big business regarding the 'safety' and economic benefits of the fossil fuel industry. If Ms. MacGregor was pushing an agenda somewhere between the romance and intrigue, she succeeded famously. :)
p.s. I almost forgot to mention this is also a very good thriller. Ms. MacGregor may specialize in romances, but she has a good eye for pacing and cranking up and maintaining the tension and suspense. The plot is also fairly complicated and well-thought out. No glaring plot holes to rant about here. Her only other romance/thriller Malicious Pursuit is one of my favorites too. But this is bigger, better and much more sophisticated.
When an oil spill takes her to a remote part of the country, Stacie's trusty app turns up only one hit. Stacie has no expectations beyond a nice, anonymous hookup while she's stuck in Duluth. But they hit it off spectacularly. Her date is beautiful, accomplished, funny, witty and great in bed. Imagine her shock when she finds out she is also the devil incarnate--Cathryn Mack--the public face of the nefarious oil company she is trying to expose.
Sleeping-with-the-enemy storylines always hold such intriguing possibilities. The ladies involved are both mature and driven career women so we thankfully don't get histrionics or too much melodrama but...there is always something about forbidden love that makes it so deliciously tempting. :) Will they or won't they? And if they do...can they get away with it? Will it negate every thing they've ever stood for or fought so hard for?
The author also strikes a delicate balance between humanizing our lead characters and keeping them sympathetic. Stacie may be the pure-in-spirit do-gooder, but she's not above And Cathryn may have her heart in the right place and her ethics intact, but
In addition to the romance, we also get a very well-researched look into the inner workings of both sides of the eco vs big-business conflict. At the very least, it raised by several notches my previous estimation of eco-warriors and of course, makes me look with suspicion and skepticism at every 'press release' by government officials and big business regarding the 'safety' and economic benefits of the fossil fuel industry. If Ms. MacGregor was pushing an agenda somewhere between the romance and intrigue, she succeeded famously. :)
p.s. I almost forgot to mention this is also a very good thriller. Ms. MacGregor may specialize in romances, but she has a good eye for pacing and cranking up and maintaining the tension and suspense. The plot is also fairly complicated and well-thought out. No glaring plot holes to rant about here. Her only other romance/thriller Malicious Pursuit is one of my favorites too. But this is bigger, better and much more sophisticated.
December 27, 2015
I picked up six books this weekend off of Bella Books Christmas sale. Anyone But You by K.G. MacGregor was one of them. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to get around to reading this one, it has good reviews, I'm so glad I finally did.
The book covers one of America's biggest issues, the use of fossil fuels, and in this particular case, oil. K.G MacGregor in my opinion did a good job of telling both sides of the story. This is not a political propaganda book. MacGregor does a fantastic job of outlining the issues, and letting each side tell the story. Wait, I thought this is a romance? Well yes, it's that too.
Cathryn Mack is the PR Director for Nations Oil. She is a 44 year old, smart, sexy, established woman who has to claw her way to the top. The oil business is a good ol' boys club, and Cathryn has had to work hard to stay on top. She is one step away from executive level, and she has put in 22 years with Nations Oil to get to the point. Cathryn now finds herself headed Duluth, Minnesota to deal with an oil pipeline that has just busted and is spilling into a local lake.
Stacie Pilardi, the other protagonist in the story, heads up a an environmental activist group called CLEAN. Stacie has made her life's work holding big businesses accountable for the messes they make in regards to the environment. Stacie grew up wealthy, and she has put her wealth to good use. She uses smart, ethical tactics to let the general public know of the problems that have been created when we don't protect Mother Earth.
These two ladies should be adversaries, not lovers, right. Well a chance meeting on a dating site, leads them right to each other. Both ladies meet and have several hookups, before the truth of what they do for a living gets brought to the table. By this time they are already developing feelings for one another. You've been sleeping with your biggest rival, yikes!
What I liked about this book is each of two leading ladies didn't buckle to the other one's political beliefs, like grownups they were able see past this hurdle. They respectfully held their ground on agreeing to disagree. The romance is nice and sweet, and they each have mutual respect for one another in spades. I thought overall it as an interesting read, but if I had one gripe the chemistry between the two characters was a little weak to me. They do jump into bed early into the book, and it works for the story, but personally I like the buildup. Overall, a nice well written book.
My rating would be a 3.75 rounding up to give it 4 stars.
The book covers one of America's biggest issues, the use of fossil fuels, and in this particular case, oil. K.G MacGregor in my opinion did a good job of telling both sides of the story. This is not a political propaganda book. MacGregor does a fantastic job of outlining the issues, and letting each side tell the story. Wait, I thought this is a romance? Well yes, it's that too.
Cathryn Mack is the PR Director for Nations Oil. She is a 44 year old, smart, sexy, established woman who has to claw her way to the top. The oil business is a good ol' boys club, and Cathryn has had to work hard to stay on top. She is one step away from executive level, and she has put in 22 years with Nations Oil to get to the point. Cathryn now finds herself headed Duluth, Minnesota to deal with an oil pipeline that has just busted and is spilling into a local lake.
Stacie Pilardi, the other protagonist in the story, heads up a an environmental activist group called CLEAN. Stacie has made her life's work holding big businesses accountable for the messes they make in regards to the environment. Stacie grew up wealthy, and she has put her wealth to good use. She uses smart, ethical tactics to let the general public know of the problems that have been created when we don't protect Mother Earth.
These two ladies should be adversaries, not lovers, right. Well a chance meeting on a dating site, leads them right to each other. Both ladies meet and have several hookups, before the truth of what they do for a living gets brought to the table. By this time they are already developing feelings for one another. You've been sleeping with your biggest rival, yikes!
What I liked about this book is each of two leading ladies didn't buckle to the other one's political beliefs, like grownups they were able see past this hurdle. They respectfully held their ground on agreeing to disagree. The romance is nice and sweet, and they each have mutual respect for one another in spades. I thought overall it as an interesting read, but if I had one gripe the chemistry between the two characters was a little weak to me. They do jump into bed early into the book, and it works for the story, but personally I like the buildup. Overall, a nice well written book.
My rating would be a 3.75 rounding up to give it 4 stars.
October 27, 2022
Educational & entertaining - this was a little different and the author had clearly done a whole lot of research. Did I think I'd be interested in a plot about an oil spill? Not really. Was I wrong? Absolutely - I really liked this book!
March 25, 2022
High 3s 😊
February 19, 2019
Anyone But You lost me as soon as the two main characters took things in the physical direction without knowing each other at all. I'm the first to admit that I am very, very "judgy" when it comes to casual relations in lesfic and that it instantly becomes a turn-off, no matter whether the rest of the book has appeal or not. Stacie and Cathryn's backstories and their different takes on a serious environmental issue is fascinating, but not enough to make up for a relationship that starts off in such a superficial way.
I consider it a blessing when I find a romance that is emotionally and romantically based on the deepest levels, with little to no sex scenes, unless those scenes can add to the plot in a very enriching way, sounding less cheap and clinical and more loving and soulful. In an ideal publishing world, I long to find the lesfic equivalent of inspirational romance, but considering LGBTQ issues and Christian issues are, for the most part, still diametrically opposed, I'm going to be wishing for a good long while.
I consider it a blessing when I find a romance that is emotionally and romantically based on the deepest levels, with little to no sex scenes, unless those scenes can add to the plot in a very enriching way, sounding less cheap and clinical and more loving and soulful. In an ideal publishing world, I long to find the lesfic equivalent of inspirational romance, but considering LGBTQ issues and Christian issues are, for the most part, still diametrically opposed, I'm going to be wishing for a good long while.
August 17, 2014
KG MacGregor explores an interesting and timely debate in her latest book, the ongoing desire for cheep fuel versus the environment. She has clearly done her homework on both sides and speaks with authority about the situation. Despite being a political book KG manages not to make the reader feel guilty for not being as engaged as we might be. She has created thoughtful read which hopefully will make people think without being polarised by preaching.
The two women have obvious chemistry and the attraction grows rather than being destroyed by their opposing positions. KG shows that an intellectual divide can be overcome and that intelligent debate can be healthy when there is respect. It is only when Cathryn realises that her company, her position, has been morally compromised that she begins to doubt, and eventually it is the internal moral battle which moves her.
The story carries a level of drama, aggression, deceit and passion that keeps it moving. It forces the moral and political argument into a by-line to the main plot of corporate greed and political activism, surrounding a brief but intense affair. By doing so Ms MacGregor stops the politics overwhelming and makes them human.
Cathryn and Stacie are both characters we will all be able to identify with and their co-workers and friends are recognisable with all their faults and foibles,
Well thought out, well written as always, this is a good romance and a through provoking story.
The two women have obvious chemistry and the attraction grows rather than being destroyed by their opposing positions. KG shows that an intellectual divide can be overcome and that intelligent debate can be healthy when there is respect. It is only when Cathryn realises that her company, her position, has been morally compromised that she begins to doubt, and eventually it is the internal moral battle which moves her.
The story carries a level of drama, aggression, deceit and passion that keeps it moving. It forces the moral and political argument into a by-line to the main plot of corporate greed and political activism, surrounding a brief but intense affair. By doing so Ms MacGregor stops the politics overwhelming and makes them human.
Cathryn and Stacie are both characters we will all be able to identify with and their co-workers and friends are recognisable with all their faults and foibles,
Well thought out, well written as always, this is a good romance and a through provoking story.
December 26, 2014
Absolutely loved the book and all the rival, tension, thriller and suspense that comes with the book as well. The sleeping with the enemy story line worked really well here. I like how the chemistry is building up between Cathryn and Stacie, from a simple meet up, to acting on the attraction, to shit hitting the fan and how they grew to realize they want each other.
Some of the scenes are just so sweet and sensual, my favourite was when Cathryn decided to find Stacie at her hotel after the SWAT incident. I like the ending, despite it is a little bit predictable. I also enjoy reading the author's portrayal of PR side of work and environmental campaign work. All in all it's a recommended read.
Some of the scenes are just so sweet and sensual, my favourite was when Cathryn decided to find Stacie at her hotel after the SWAT incident. I like the ending, despite it is a little bit predictable. I also enjoy reading the author's portrayal of PR side of work and environmental campaign work. All in all it's a recommended read.
November 1, 2014
Well written romance set against a interesting backdrop.
I have a passing knowledge of the oil industry, and the way the characters are described (while exaggerated for effect) does ring surprisingly true. You couldn't meet a more misogynistic group of people on this planet.
While the payoff at the end felt slightly forced, this is a highly enjoyable read.
I have a passing knowledge of the oil industry, and the way the characters are described (while exaggerated for effect) does ring surprisingly true. You couldn't meet a more misogynistic group of people on this planet.
While the payoff at the end felt slightly forced, this is a highly enjoyable read.
July 30, 2014
I was frequently distracted while reading this book, but there's a pull in its characters that kept drawing me back in. It's an enjoyable read.
August 30, 2019
An engaging corporate vs activism more than a love story
“She hadn’t been drawn to anyone this way in a very long time, and would never have risked so much just for sex.”
“The desire for something this special was overpowering, so much that she was willing to ignore the consequences.”
+ • + • + • +
A successful political drama & entertaining book thanks to its interesting characters & riveting plot.
Its a very relevant, yet rarely revealed, peak behind the curtains at the managings & maneuverings of grassroots activism & corporate politicking… & there's a romantic storyline in there too.
“She hadn’t been drawn to anyone this way in a very long time, and would never have risked so much just for sex.”
“The desire for something this special was overpowering, so much that she was willing to ignore the consequences.”
+ • + • + • +
A successful political drama & entertaining book thanks to its interesting characters & riveting plot.
Its a very relevant, yet rarely revealed, peak behind the curtains at the managings & maneuverings of grassroots activism & corporate politicking… & there's a romantic storyline in there too.
June 30, 2016
There is an interesting story here. More in terms of the big business/corruption/oil spill/environmental disaster/cover-up or attempted cover up, and less in terms of romance.
Oddly, the least realistic parts of this book were the 'good' parts, the actions of the 'good people'. Plus the romance was rushed, and not tremondously gripping.
I might think of more to say later, unlikely though.
April 19 2016
Oddly, the least realistic parts of this book were the 'good' parts, the actions of the 'good people'. Plus the romance was rushed, and not tremondously gripping.
I might think of more to say later, unlikely though.
April 19 2016
Read
August 7, 2014Loved it
I truly enjoyed this one and will read more from this author. I loved the main characters and supporting characters as well. I could see a second book with the main characters.
I truly enjoyed this one and will read more from this author. I loved the main characters and supporting characters as well. I could see a second book with the main characters.
July 2, 2017
K. G. MacGregor spins a good tale consistently.
September 14, 2020
What a brilliant story!
I might have missed that one, if Clare Lydon’s review had not shown in my feed. I liked all I read of her books so far, so her 4 star review got me hooked.
Not only is this book in my momentary favourite genre, lesbian fiction, It deals with a struggle I have had professionally myself since 1995, clean energy versus fossil fuel, only in my case have also been protesting against nuclear energy since 1970.
So of course the book drew me. As an author of a crime/romance mix novel I could write a book about how difficult it sometimes is to ramp up the tension again and again without losing or even killing off the romance, even more so if it is a lesbian one. Here, though, it has been done perfectly and so has the romance!
Some of the arguments of the MC’s environmental group are a little narrow minded, but I really should not expect a writer of romance novels to know as much about the topic as a technical consultant with a highly scientifically minded training and 20 years of experience in living with a maximum of energy self-sufficiency and organic food production.
As it is a brilliant thriller I can even recommend it to non lesbian and/or non romanctically minded readers, as you could just skim the love scenes focussing on the dialogue and you probably wouldn’t miss anything important of the fascinating action.
I might have missed that one, if Clare Lydon’s review had not shown in my feed. I liked all I read of her books so far, so her 4 star review got me hooked.
Not only is this book in my momentary favourite genre, lesbian fiction, It deals with a struggle I have had professionally myself since 1995, clean energy versus fossil fuel, only in my case have also been protesting against nuclear energy since 1970.
So of course the book drew me. As an author of a crime/romance mix novel I could write a book about how difficult it sometimes is to ramp up the tension again and again without losing or even killing off the romance, even more so if it is a lesbian one. Here, though, it has been done perfectly and so has the romance!
Some of the arguments of the MC’s environmental group are a little narrow minded, but I really should not expect a writer of romance novels to know as much about the topic as a technical consultant with a highly scientifically minded training and 20 years of experience in living with a maximum of energy self-sufficiency and organic food production.
As it is a brilliant thriller I can even recommend it to non lesbian and/or non romanctically minded readers, as you could just skim the love scenes focussing on the dialogue and you probably wouldn’t miss anything important of the fascinating action.
February 27, 2020
Two women on the opposite ends of the spectrum - one high in Corporate America and Texas oil, the other the head of an environmental organization looking to control the damage big oil is doing to the planet. They should be mortal enemies, but end up meeting anonymously on a dating app and against all odds fall in love in a matter of weeks. Good story with just the right amount of tension, misdoings, bad guys, environmental knowledge and it takes place in the state in which I live. All part of a good recipe for storytelling which KG McGregor does well. I didn't see the surprise at the end which made it somewhat satisfying and an enjoyable read. Nice all around read.
March 21, 2023
Another fantastic read by KG MacGregor!
Anyone But You is as entertaining as it is illuminating...bringing together two women working on opposite sides of an environmental calamity. With witty, intelligent dialogue and development, this story tosses you right into the intrigue, humor, drama, and romance of two women fighting for what they believe. Stacie and Cathryn are the epitome of strong, brilliant, passionate women who stand firm, both apart and together. Love this!!
And Marlene wins best supporting character!
Anyone But You is as entertaining as it is illuminating...bringing together two women working on opposite sides of an environmental calamity. With witty, intelligent dialogue and development, this story tosses you right into the intrigue, humor, drama, and romance of two women fighting for what they believe. Stacie and Cathryn are the epitome of strong, brilliant, passionate women who stand firm, both apart and together. Love this!!
And Marlene wins best supporting character!
October 27, 2021
Really good book
I very much enjoyed this book. I’ve read other books by Ms. MacGregor and have always liked style of writing. Good characters and good dialogue. Have always been a fan of a HEA.
I very much enjoyed this book. I’ve read other books by Ms. MacGregor and have always liked style of writing. Good characters and good dialogue. Have always been a fan of a HEA.
April 19, 2020
The plot was interesting, but the characters' development and relationship not so much.
August 2, 2020
Nice intimacy scenes. That made up for the boredom I felt reading the book in the beginning. From the middle to the end it gets way better.
Read
May 12, 2022Good
January 12, 2020
After reading the first few pages I thought for sure the premise couldn't really work. But it did. Both Stacie and Cathryn were likeable, even though they're on opposite sides. I like that Cathryn didn't have a sudden change in outlook. Their relationship was fun to read, and I liked the twist near the end. A lot of drama with conspiracies and whistle blowers, which kept some tension up. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2014
I really liked this book, as with most of KGs works the writing was excellent, but it was a departure from her usual style.
This book had a message, and that message took centre stage rather than the women. It was a refreshing change. All too often in romances the relationship takes over the entire book and you can get tired with it, or it can become too much like a "Mills and Boon"/"Harlequin" novel.
"Anyone but you" is thoughtful in its message about raising awareness and informative in it's detailed research. It may not be to everyones tastes as it does veer off the norm for romances, but if you want a sound story, that makes you sit up and think, then this book is definitely for you.
I have focused my review on the story and not the characters because the story is the priority, the characters and the ensuing romance is important to the story but it takes a nicely situated second place.
This book had a message, and that message took centre stage rather than the women. It was a refreshing change. All too often in romances the relationship takes over the entire book and you can get tired with it, or it can become too much like a "Mills and Boon"/"Harlequin" novel.
"Anyone but you" is thoughtful in its message about raising awareness and informative in it's detailed research. It may not be to everyones tastes as it does veer off the norm for romances, but if you want a sound story, that makes you sit up and think, then this book is definitely for you.
I have focused my review on the story and not the characters because the story is the priority, the characters and the ensuing romance is important to the story but it takes a nicely situated second place.
June 30, 2016
I really enjoyed it though I found the environmental slant a little too much. Though the oil company people turned out to be real villains, the vilification of oil was a little over the top sometimes. At least there was some attempt at representing some of the work of oil companies as a benefit for society. Maybe in a way it's better that the villains were so cartoonish otherwise Cathryn's actions and ultimate decisions wouldn't have been as obvious or felt as righteous. If the company had acted normally and the arguments for and against been based on the simple facts alone, it wouldn't have been as clear cut. But I think there is no doubt where the author stands on the whole issue, and I find that a little distracting in my romance stories. That said, I found the romance cute and funny and believable. I really was rooting for them to be happy together.
August 3, 2015
When a book actually makes you want to do something beyond the pages, I think that is a sign of an excellent story. I believe KG MacGregor did that with Anyone But You through the characters and the passion they showed to what they were doing and how it impacted everyone. I've enjoyed many of MacGregor's work before but this one in particular struck something. It may not be the intended purpose of the book, but I feel like I came away stronger in my knowledge of social justice regarding big companies, oil in the US and ways I need to be thinking if I want to preserve the way I live. All of this done through excellent character development, well written storyline, and a perfect amount of action/suspense.
February 10, 2018
I liked this book a lot, I would recommend it to anyone. The book is set during an oil spill where both the two main characters are on opposite sides of the crisis. Cathryn is the spokeswoman for the oil company and Stacie is the head of an environmental group that is working to stop the oil companies. I tend to think the environmental slant in this book is accurate, oil companies do tend to be evil, I enjoyed the take on it. The dynamic between the two characters, Stacie and Cathryn, is great. I enjoy their interactions and their development as characters. I enjoyed seeing their relationship progress throughout the book.
May 3, 2017
First book of the year! Really enjoyable, with extremely solid writing and a main pair that actually communicated well. The setting—the site of an oil spill, with all the media frenzy around it—seemed very well researched, though I'm not the most informed person. Still, I always appreciate writers who can make you feel like the story is actually happening in the real world. The story didn't 100% jump off the page, hence four stars out of five, but I thoroughly enjoyed it & would recommend it to anyone looking for a good F/F romance.
June 23, 2015
Fantastic read!
Really great read with some nice twists and turns. The only critique I would have is that it was sometimes difficult to discern who was speaking between the characters. I am not complaining though I definitely was willing to read and re-read to figure it out. This is absolutely one I will read again. Thank you for the break from reality! It was most needed.
Really great read with some nice twists and turns. The only critique I would have is that it was sometimes difficult to discern who was speaking between the characters. I am not complaining though I definitely was willing to read and re-read to figure it out. This is absolutely one I will read again. Thank you for the break from reality! It was most needed.
October 4, 2014
I've really enjoyed other stories by KG MacGregor but this one was not for me. I found myself oscillating between feeling like the book was a giant environmental lecture and laughing when Cathryn and Stacie would talk about their relationship/sex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews