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The Best Mistake
A chance weekend fling becomes an electrifying escape for two strangers—until they meet again under very different circumstances. A one-night-to-forever lesbian romance.
Uptight, icy Ava Harris, rocked by grief and terrible romantic decisions, moves to Melbourne for a new university job. She definitely doesn’t expect to encounter the ghost of a dirty weekend in her first week there.
Kind, charismatic Sofia Juma, who runs a campus tutoring program for migrant students, barely recognises Ava as the charmer she met months ago, given the woman’s frosty brush-offs.
When the universe keeps hurling them together, and that old attraction flares again, Ava keeps giving in to Sofia’s charms. Sex is easy, but intimacy takes courage. While Sofia is brave, a wounded Ava is still running scared. If she ever catches up, will it be too late?
A second chances romance about healing old wounds and learning that independence doesn’t have to mean being alone.
Uptight, icy Ava Harris, rocked by grief and terrible romantic decisions, moves to Melbourne for a new university job. She definitely doesn’t expect to encounter the ghost of a dirty weekend in her first week there.
Kind, charismatic Sofia Juma, who runs a campus tutoring program for migrant students, barely recognises Ava as the charmer she met months ago, given the woman’s frosty brush-offs.
When the universe keeps hurling them together, and that old attraction flares again, Ava keeps giving in to Sofia’s charms. Sex is easy, but intimacy takes courage. While Sofia is brave, a wounded Ava is still running scared. If she ever catches up, will it be too late?
A second chances romance about healing old wounds and learning that independence doesn’t have to mean being alone.
354 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2023
82 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 13, 2024
Ava Harris never imagined herself having a weekend fling but Sofia Juma is just too intelligent, beautiful and engaging to walk away from. Months later, as Ava begins a new job she discovers that Sofia works at her new university and she will now be Sofia’s boss.
O’Beirne creates fascinating characters in Ava and Sofia. Ava’s world crashed down around her ankles just before she meets Sofia. She is in a static state being bashed by emotions strong enough to leave her cocooned in bed. Sofia’s life is far from perfect yet there is a lightness of being surrounding her.
This is a story of coping with the hard stuff and working on possibilities for happiness. The elegance in the telling is what will capture you.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
O’Beirne creates fascinating characters in Ava and Sofia. Ava’s world crashed down around her ankles just before she meets Sofia. She is in a static state being bashed by emotions strong enough to leave her cocooned in bed. Sofia’s life is far from perfect yet there is a lightness of being surrounding her.
This is a story of coping with the hard stuff and working on possibilities for happiness. The elegance in the telling is what will capture you.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2023
Engaging was the word describing my feelings as I read this book. The characters, carrying their baggage, were likeable and the plot was interesting. I was drawn in by…well-written, believable, emotive, and the nicely-paced happily-ever-after.
November 27, 2023
I loved Sofia but definitely wasn’t a fan of Ava. In the first half, I couldn’t connect with the storyline but I enjoyed the last half and forgave Ava. Sofia is a sweetheart.
December 4, 2023
This is a story about Sofia who has moved in with her mother who has suffered a major accident. Sofia is trying to work on her masters degree while working as a study hall coordinator for immigrant high school kids. Ava works as a university administrator overseeing grants for work study programs. They meet in a bar and have a one night stand weekend. Eight months later they find themselves working together.
Ava suffers from depression over the death of her brother and is filled with self doubt. Sofia is totally into Ava and wants to continue their relationship. Ava wants no part of a relationship but with Sofia always around her at work, she finds she can’t resist having occasional sex with Sofia.
These two have a connection right from the start but Ava is so depressed and afraid of a relationship that there is constant angst throughout the book.
I liked the deep emotions and feelings that O’Beirne wrote. And could appreciate Ava’s feelings of sadness over her brother’s tragic death. And I enjoyed the setting in Melbourne Australia And several interesting and well developed side characters helped lighten up the heavy tone of this book.
If you are looking for a slow burn romance with lots of emotion, this is the book for you. I will definitely read more of O’Beirne’s Books in the future.
Thanks to Ylva Publishing and Net Galley for a chance to review this book. BTW I think Ylva always puts out a quality book from its authors.
Ava suffers from depression over the death of her brother and is filled with self doubt. Sofia is totally into Ava and wants to continue their relationship. Ava wants no part of a relationship but with Sofia always around her at work, she finds she can’t resist having occasional sex with Sofia.
These two have a connection right from the start but Ava is so depressed and afraid of a relationship that there is constant angst throughout the book.
I liked the deep emotions and feelings that O’Beirne wrote. And could appreciate Ava’s feelings of sadness over her brother’s tragic death. And I enjoyed the setting in Melbourne Australia And several interesting and well developed side characters helped lighten up the heavy tone of this book.
If you are looking for a slow burn romance with lots of emotion, this is the book for you. I will definitely read more of O’Beirne’s Books in the future.
Thanks to Ylva Publishing and Net Galley for a chance to review this book. BTW I think Ylva always puts out a quality book from its authors.
November 20, 2023
This story is about how a one-night stand becomes something more when the two protagonists, after that first time that should have been the first and last, find themselves in a working relationship after a few months.
The personality of the two protagonists is very relevant, since they could not be more different. Sofía is a woman who has more or less had to adapt her life to the family circumstances that she has had to live in, although this has not made her resentful or bitter, on the contrary, she is quite happy in her work and environment. . But she is a little conditioned after all and is not developing her full potential.
The second protagonist is Ava, who due to family circumstances is withdrawn and distant, without trying to relate in depth with almost anyone around her. The step she takes by accepting a new job, unbeknownst to her, will cross Ava and Sofia's paths again. But that one-night stand doesn't seem to have the same importance for Ava as it does for Sofia. Or at least apparently.
Ava is quite cold and impersonal towards Sofia, who, without wanting to force anything between them, cannot leave her warm personality aside. And by dint of small steps, Ava lets Sofía in and they open up and discover their weaknesses to each other.
It is a story with sad parts but as a whole it shows people conditioned by their past, by events that seem to force them to follow a certain path different from the one they would have chosen for themselves, although in the end they manage to overcome and take advantage of the positive without resentment. .
Publisher Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
The personality of the two protagonists is very relevant, since they could not be more different. Sofía is a woman who has more or less had to adapt her life to the family circumstances that she has had to live in, although this has not made her resentful or bitter, on the contrary, she is quite happy in her work and environment. . But she is a little conditioned after all and is not developing her full potential.
The second protagonist is Ava, who due to family circumstances is withdrawn and distant, without trying to relate in depth with almost anyone around her. The step she takes by accepting a new job, unbeknownst to her, will cross Ava and Sofia's paths again. But that one-night stand doesn't seem to have the same importance for Ava as it does for Sofia. Or at least apparently.
Ava is quite cold and impersonal towards Sofia, who, without wanting to force anything between them, cannot leave her warm personality aside. And by dint of small steps, Ava lets Sofía in and they open up and discover their weaknesses to each other.
It is a story with sad parts but as a whole it shows people conditioned by their past, by events that seem to force them to follow a certain path different from the one they would have chosen for themselves, although in the end they manage to overcome and take advantage of the positive without resentment. .
Publisher Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
December 24, 2023
What should've just been a hot one night stand becomes more when Ava and Sofia meet again unexpectedly after many months.
O'Beirne's romance touches on the difficult topic of depression which is woven into the storyline. Ava and Sofia navigate their feelings slowly with angst, ice walls melting and emotion sharing leading to a pleasing end. Another solid read from the author.
O'Beirne's romance touches on the difficult topic of depression which is woven into the storyline. Ava and Sofia navigate their feelings slowly with angst, ice walls melting and emotion sharing leading to a pleasing end. Another solid read from the author.
December 7, 2023
This book was a letdown for me. The "Ava keeps dragging Sofia around like a confused teenager with internalized issues" felt forced and annoying. The sudden time skips were jarring, and I couldn't care less about the forgettable side characters. Pacing was a major issue – it wasn't a slow burn, just a repetitive cycle of Ava initiating and pulling back, happening way too many times. The whole "this again?" vibe killed any excitement.
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December 20, 2023
I didn't expect that this book had a cheating part since it's really the thing that I don't like in any stories but since it was barely mentioned and their relationship didn't revolve around that, I thought it was okay and continued to read it.
There's a lot to improve in the book, from the plot itself because I was a bit confused with the two characters. It seems like they are pulling and pushing each other. Entirely, their relationship is confusing and a mess. There were parts I think didn't contribute to the story and just a filler part. The switch in POVs is also confusing at times.
The characters are okay but they didn't strike me much. I didn't connect with them. The story itself had so much potential but I hope it was executed better.
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I am confused all throughout. RTC
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Thank you Netgalley , Ylva Publishing, and Emily O'Beirne for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
There's a lot to improve in the book, from the plot itself because I was a bit confused with the two characters. It seems like they are pulling and pushing each other. Entirely, their relationship is confusing and a mess. There were parts I think didn't contribute to the story and just a filler part. The switch in POVs is also confusing at times.
The characters are okay but they didn't strike me much. I didn't connect with them. The story itself had so much potential but I hope it was executed better.
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I am confused all throughout. RTC
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Thank you Netgalley , Ylva Publishing, and Emily O'Beirne for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 19, 2023
There are some books where the MC was hurt by life you spend the book waiting for them to get better. This books is one of them. I liked how the grief topic was brought up, it's subtle, Ava isn't totally numb, she tries to live her life and sometimes the memories just hit and knock her down. It felt realistic. Sofia is warm and friendly as a contrast to Ava. O'Beirne takes the time to develop each character making readers feel intimate with them. MCs have so much in common and share an undeniable connection but because of the rules of their casual relationship they can't fully embrace it. It was so frustrating because they are made for each other! When then finally connect for real, it's really sweet and satisfying, it felt earned.The love scenes aren't the most explicit, but the book's strength is in the vulnerability of the characters and connection between them. I loved the rich casting with characters of different ethnicities. My only issue was I had a bit trouble getting in the book with the university affairs and remembering all the name at first, but then, study hall grew on me. Overall I had a really good time reading this book.
January 3, 2024
A real slow burn of a book that encaptured (is that a word?) me. At times frustrating, but it never lost its grip. Recommended.
November 25, 2023
Good opening chapter, then ooh second and third. Settled down for a compelling read.
I wasn’t sure, as the book went on if I actually liked Ava. If I was sofia’s pal I think I might be telling her to run. There are reasons but I’m not sure I’m thinking they are enough.
I never really warmed up. However the later section with mother moved me but because I wasn't a fan of one main, I really wasn't invested in the details of the relationship. A 3 because I was moved with the maternal move but I really wasn't moved by the rest or at least my initial enthusiasm waned.
I wasn’t sure, as the book went on if I actually liked Ava. If I was sofia’s pal I think I might be telling her to run. There are reasons but I’m not sure I’m thinking they are enough.
I never really warmed up. However the later section with mother moved me but because I wasn't a fan of one main, I really wasn't invested in the details of the relationship. A 3 because I was moved with the maternal move but I really wasn't moved by the rest or at least my initial enthusiasm waned.
November 20, 2023
I kind of went into this book thinking it would be a fun one night stand to forever kind of deal, while it is that to some extent, it is actually something else entirely.
This book deals with grief and adapting to a new life, a new normal if you will, more than anything. I think the author did well in portraying some of the emotions but I also found it a bit lacking. The despair and the gut wrenching feeling of whatever loss our main characters are feeling are told, described, but not really experienced through the writing. I’m more of show than tell kind of person. While both is good, you need to feel these feelings as well to be fully enveloped into the story.
Sofia is a wonderful patient and giving character, Ava could be seen as a little cold. For me they both sit firmly somewhere in the middle.
Overall I enjoyed it, but it also was neither here nor there for me. It wasn’t a light hearted fling to forever story, nor was it a angsty drama.
(Side remark, I read an ARC and it has many a spelling/ grammar error and I’m not sure if it is due to it being an ARC or it just being shoddy editing work…)
This book deals with grief and adapting to a new life, a new normal if you will, more than anything. I think the author did well in portraying some of the emotions but I also found it a bit lacking. The despair and the gut wrenching feeling of whatever loss our main characters are feeling are told, described, but not really experienced through the writing. I’m more of show than tell kind of person. While both is good, you need to feel these feelings as well to be fully enveloped into the story.
Sofia is a wonderful patient and giving character, Ava could be seen as a little cold. For me they both sit firmly somewhere in the middle.
Overall I enjoyed it, but it also was neither here nor there for me. It wasn’t a light hearted fling to forever story, nor was it a angsty drama.
(Side remark, I read an ARC and it has many a spelling/ grammar error and I’m not sure if it is due to it being an ARC or it just being shoddy editing work…)
November 12, 2023
This was a fun read, I enjoyed it. Ava is blowing cold and hot and everything in between but she gets around eventually. And Sofia is just the classic sunshine person even through her own battles. The blurb attracted me to this one and I have no regrets.
Free ARC via NetGalley
Free ARC via NetGalley
July 14, 2024
I've really liked every Emily O'Beirne book I've read to date, and The Best Mistake is no exception, but it's not without its faults. This the first O'Beirne book I've read with adult MCs, so maybe some of the misses have to do with the transition to writing adults (vs high school/college aged people)?
Ava meets Sofia when she travels to Melbourne for a job interview. They end up spending a magical weekend together, but Ava returns to Sydney. Fast forward several months and Ava has moved to Melbourne for a job at a university--a job that puts her directly in Sofia's path. Needless to say things are awkward because the Ava who threw caution to the wind and was able to have that magical weekend is not the real, day-to-day Ava.
In real life, Ava is distant and lonely and grieving. It all leaves Sofia confused, not because she expects them to pick up where they left off but because she thought they could at least be friendly and civil in their interactions. You know, not pretend they haven't seen each other naked? Plus, Sofia has a lot she's dealing with, like caring for her mother and finishing up her master's thesis and proving the worth of the Study Hall she runs.
But there's an inescapable pull between them, which leads to what's supposed to an uncomplicated, no-strings, friends-with-benefits situation. And, well, you can guess how well that works out for them.
Emily O'Beirne is great at writing slow burn romances, and I love her books for it. And, in some ways, this is no exception. But the FWB situation complicates that for me, the reader. And if I'm honest, it really impacted my ability to watch their relationship develop. This is more a me issue than a narrative issue, since I think O'Beirne makes this believable with the stuff that's happening in Ava's life in particular, but it did impact my personal ability to enjoy the story.
The novel also took me a bit longer to read, which, for a romance, is usually a sign I'm not LOVING it. So it's not my favourite O'Beirne novel, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
3.5 stars
Ava meets Sofia when she travels to Melbourne for a job interview. They end up spending a magical weekend together, but Ava returns to Sydney. Fast forward several months and Ava has moved to Melbourne for a job at a university--a job that puts her directly in Sofia's path. Needless to say things are awkward because the Ava who threw caution to the wind and was able to have that magical weekend is not the real, day-to-day Ava.
In real life, Ava is distant and lonely and grieving. It all leaves Sofia confused, not because she expects them to pick up where they left off but because she thought they could at least be friendly and civil in their interactions. You know, not pretend they haven't seen each other naked? Plus, Sofia has a lot she's dealing with, like caring for her mother and finishing up her master's thesis and proving the worth of the Study Hall she runs.
But there's an inescapable pull between them, which leads to what's supposed to an uncomplicated, no-strings, friends-with-benefits situation. And, well, you can guess how well that works out for them.
Emily O'Beirne is great at writing slow burn romances, and I love her books for it. And, in some ways, this is no exception. But the FWB situation complicates that for me, the reader. And if I'm honest, it really impacted my ability to watch their relationship develop. This is more a me issue than a narrative issue, since I think O'Beirne makes this believable with the stuff that's happening in Ava's life in particular, but it did impact my personal ability to enjoy the story.
The novel also took me a bit longer to read, which, for a romance, is usually a sign I'm not LOVING it. So it's not my favourite O'Beirne novel, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
3.5 stars
February 9, 2024
From the blurb, I expected a steamy, second-chance romance. However, when reading The Best Mistake I found myself navigating through a narrative deeply entrenched in themes of grief and loss. This novel presents a rich cultural tapestry, commendable portrayals of friendship, and engaging dialogues. Yet, the story's pace suffers from repetition, and the romantic development between the protagonists feels belated, with meaningful connections forming unexpectedly late in the plot.
The dynamic between the two main characters is complex and often perplexing, marked by a continuous cycle of attraction and repulsion that leaves their relationship muddled. Certain sections of the book seem to serve as mere fillers, adding little substance to the overall storyline. Additionally, I found the way the novel shifted perspectives to be really confusing, which detracted from the story's cohesion.
Ava, one of the protagonists, presents a challenge in terms of relatability. Her actions and motivations, while explained, often fall short of justifying the tumultuous relationship dynamics. This lack of connection made it difficult for me to fully engage with her character and, by extension, the evolving story around her. My detachment from Ava hindered my investment in the unfolding drama.
This is my first read from Emily O'Beirne and although I found it challenging, I will definitely try another in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The dynamic between the two main characters is complex and often perplexing, marked by a continuous cycle of attraction and repulsion that leaves their relationship muddled. Certain sections of the book seem to serve as mere fillers, adding little substance to the overall storyline. Additionally, I found the way the novel shifted perspectives to be really confusing, which detracted from the story's cohesion.
Ava, one of the protagonists, presents a challenge in terms of relatability. Her actions and motivations, while explained, often fall short of justifying the tumultuous relationship dynamics. This lack of connection made it difficult for me to fully engage with her character and, by extension, the evolving story around her. My detachment from Ava hindered my investment in the unfolding drama.
This is my first read from Emily O'Beirne and although I found it challenging, I will definitely try another in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2024
A good read
November 29, 2023
I've previously read and enjoyed a YA romance from this author, so I was excited to give one of her adult romances a try! And second chance romance is one of my favourite tropes, so this sounded really good to me.
I loved seeing these characters first meet and get together, then lose contact and meet each other again by chance in the workplace. Throughout the book, we got to see them together so much, and they had so many meaningful interactions, which made their romance feel like a really safe space for both of them to be honest and be themselves. And that made me feel so soft!
I especially liked how Ava was seen kind of as an "ice queen" by people who didn't know her very well, but with Sofia she was very much not.
There's also a lovely cast of side characters, many of whom had their own storylines, which made this feel like a very fleshed out story, making it feel more real. All in all I really enjoyed this!
I loved seeing these characters first meet and get together, then lose contact and meet each other again by chance in the workplace. Throughout the book, we got to see them together so much, and they had so many meaningful interactions, which made their romance feel like a really safe space for both of them to be honest and be themselves. And that made me feel so soft!
I especially liked how Ava was seen kind of as an "ice queen" by people who didn't know her very well, but with Sofia she was very much not.
There's also a lovely cast of side characters, many of whom had their own storylines, which made this feel like a very fleshed out story, making it feel more real. All in all I really enjoyed this!
January 18, 2024
whole lot of stuff with just a whole lot of nothing
I’m not sure how to describe it I feel like there’s was a lot of information we learned about the character but nothing was really explored to me idk like in depths a whole lot of information that kind of leads nowhere but it was a good read could’ve been better tho
I’m not sure how to describe it I feel like there’s was a lot of information we learned about the character but nothing was really explored to me idk like in depths a whole lot of information that kind of leads nowhere but it was a good read could’ve been better tho
February 18, 2024
This book follows two women who had a one night stand, and unexpectantly meet again months later when they find themselves working together. While this is a romance, it also deals with other topics such as grief, depression, and healing.
The two women deal with their relationship very differently, and it is mentioned that "awkward Ava becomes uptight Ava". I appreciated the two of them working to figure out how to make their personality dynamic work, and the discussion of one of the women feeling awkward and pushing the other away...but it did feel a little too dragged on, and by the end I was losing interest in the relationship because she had pushed her TOO far away. It wasn't as exciting anymore.
I did appreciate some of the other stories that didn't relate to the relationship such as a new mum dealing with PPD, caring for a disabled parent, dealing with the grief of losing a family member, and rekindling relationships with family members.
I also loved how diverse the cast of side characters were. I love normalising having characters with friends of all different ethnicities. My favourite character was Khadija! She was so fun!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
The two women deal with their relationship very differently, and it is mentioned that "awkward Ava becomes uptight Ava". I appreciated the two of them working to figure out how to make their personality dynamic work, and the discussion of one of the women feeling awkward and pushing the other away...but it did feel a little too dragged on, and by the end I was losing interest in the relationship because she had pushed her TOO far away. It wasn't as exciting anymore.
I did appreciate some of the other stories that didn't relate to the relationship such as a new mum dealing with PPD, caring for a disabled parent, dealing with the grief of losing a family member, and rekindling relationships with family members.
You can fly over an island being hit with a magnitude earthquake and not even know there were people being buried by rubble. It's the same with people. You can't always know what's going on beneath.
I also loved how diverse the cast of side characters were. I love normalising having characters with friends of all different ethnicities. My favourite character was Khadija! She was so fun!
This was how it should be. People you love should set you steady, give you that soul-deep sense that you are okay, or that it will be.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
December 6, 2023
Lovely!
Ava and Sofia meet one night and have a bit of a fling. Fate brings them back into one another’s live when Ava takes a new job and runs into Sofia again. At first, tensions are high between them until Ava can’t help but falling for Sofia’s charms.
I really enjoyed this story. The tension between Ava and Sofia, during their initial meeting and then again when Ava turned up at Sofia’s workplace was great. It really set the premise that Ava’s emotional state and need to have her guard up was going to add complications to Sofia winning her over. Sofia was so charismatic though, and she’d achieved it once, so I had every faith she’d manage it again where Ava was concerned.
For Ava I had so much admiration though. She hesitated at some things, and was cautious, which when we learned about her story was completely understandable, but alongside that she was so independent and determined to succeed. She really was passionate about her career and doing the right thing, but along the way that caused issues between her and Ava, which turned up the drama between them again every time they settled into a bit more of a comfortable relationship with one another.
The story was a lot of fun, filled with great moments, ones of deep connection that meant we were really getting to know all of Ava and Sofia’s flaws and quirks. From the moment they met again, I really had faith in believing in second chances, and was rooting for them to get everything they both wanted.
Ava and Sofia meet one night and have a bit of a fling. Fate brings them back into one another’s live when Ava takes a new job and runs into Sofia again. At first, tensions are high between them until Ava can’t help but falling for Sofia’s charms.
I really enjoyed this story. The tension between Ava and Sofia, during their initial meeting and then again when Ava turned up at Sofia’s workplace was great. It really set the premise that Ava’s emotional state and need to have her guard up was going to add complications to Sofia winning her over. Sofia was so charismatic though, and she’d achieved it once, so I had every faith she’d manage it again where Ava was concerned.
For Ava I had so much admiration though. She hesitated at some things, and was cautious, which when we learned about her story was completely understandable, but alongside that she was so independent and determined to succeed. She really was passionate about her career and doing the right thing, but along the way that caused issues between her and Ava, which turned up the drama between them again every time they settled into a bit more of a comfortable relationship with one another.
The story was a lot of fun, filled with great moments, ones of deep connection that meant we were really getting to know all of Ava and Sofia’s flaws and quirks. From the moment they met again, I really had faith in believing in second chances, and was rooting for them to get everything they both wanted.
November 20, 2023
(3.5 Stars) Ava Harris meets Sofia Juma on a lost weekend where they have a fling with no expectations. Eight months later Ava accepts a new job at a university in Melbourne and is surprised to learn Sofia works there. Ava is still grieving the death of her twin brother two years earlier and has also broken up with someone recently. Sofia runs a campus tutoring program aimed to help migrant students. Sofia also helps a lot with her mother who is recovering from an accident.
I love that both women are in their 30s but that doesn’t mean they communicate well. They fall back into occasional intimacy but Ava is frustratingly cold after each interaction. Sofia on the other hand is always warm and inviting. A lot of the story is given over to friend and family relationships and people being helped by the tutoring program. It gave me a women’s fiction feeling more than a romance. This is the first book I’ve read from the author and I was rooting for a HEA.
I love that both women are in their 30s but that doesn’t mean they communicate well. They fall back into occasional intimacy but Ava is frustratingly cold after each interaction. Sofia on the other hand is always warm and inviting. A lot of the story is given over to friend and family relationships and people being helped by the tutoring program. It gave me a women’s fiction feeling more than a romance. This is the first book I’ve read from the author and I was rooting for a HEA.
December 18, 2023
I love a good FF book.
Ava and Sofia spend two passionate nights together and figure that's all there is. The two are reunited, but it isn't the same friendly feeling as their first encounter. Ava is cold towards Sofia, distance and down right bitchy. (Where did that fun woman go?)
The book deals with depression, caregiving of parents, and loss. These are written well, and you feel how deep these situations affect the characters.
This is the second I have read by this author and really need to catch up with her back list.
Ava and Sofia spend two passionate nights together and figure that's all there is. The two are reunited, but it isn't the same friendly feeling as their first encounter. Ava is cold towards Sofia, distance and down right bitchy. (Where did that fun woman go?)
The book deals with depression, caregiving of parents, and loss. These are written well, and you feel how deep these situations affect the characters.
This is the second I have read by this author and really need to catch up with her back list.
August 4, 2025
Fantastic
November 13, 2023
I loved this second chance romance right from the catchy beginning where Sophia and Ava first met at the bar. It was in a hotel in Melbourne where Ava was staying after a professional meeting. One thing led to another and they spent two steamy nights in Ava’s hotel room before Ava returned home to Sydney.
Eight months later Ava had been plucked from a private college in Sydney to move to Melbourne to head up a group in charge of the new WIL program, Work Integrated Learning, where migrants were able to get learning experiences that would make them more employable.
This is where Ava and Sophia met up again, as Sophia had been running the study hall of the afternoon tutoring program where future teachers tutored recently arrived migrant students who were studying for exams, aspiring to get into a university.
At this point, I struggled with the story for a little while because of the introduction of so many new characters with foreign names that I wasn’t familiar with. However, I soon found them all to be colorful, interesting individuals, each with their own charming stories.
My favorite was Khadija, the sassy student from Somalia, who had fun bantering with Ava and called her Miss, saying she was posh and encouraged her to get a manicure and fancy acrylics! Ava was, indeed, always well-dressed in a pencil skirt and a nice button-down blouse, presenting the image of one who was reserved.
Khadija’s mother, Idil, was another interesting character, a very strong woman who had lost her husband in a car accident, was raising four children, putting herself towards a law degree and finding time to volunteer in the WIL program.
I hate leaving anyone out, and can’t introduce everyone, but I grew to love them all and the richness that they contributed to the book.
I do want to touch on the second chance romance since we all want HEA! When Sophia and Ava recognized each other at work, Ava didn’t acknowledge their previous meeting, barely even making eye contact. While Sophia was an open book, Ava preferred to be alone. That became her modus operandi!
It was some time before Ava began to melt enough to finally go out with a group of co-workers on a Friday evening. She and Sophia ended up alone, drinking wine on the balcony before ending up in a bed together. As good as they enjoyed their physical intimacies, Ava always continued to dismiss Sophia in future similar situations, leaving her hurt and confused.
Sophia was also troubled over being written off in a previous relationship and Ava knew her role in the cause of the ending of her former relationship. She was also dealing with the grief of her brother’s death. They both had to come to terms with issues and
it was heartwarming to follow these ladies as they found their way to love.
This was such s beautifully written, amazing book and a compelling read. I want to express my thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the advanced read copy.
Eight months later Ava had been plucked from a private college in Sydney to move to Melbourne to head up a group in charge of the new WIL program, Work Integrated Learning, where migrants were able to get learning experiences that would make them more employable.
This is where Ava and Sophia met up again, as Sophia had been running the study hall of the afternoon tutoring program where future teachers tutored recently arrived migrant students who were studying for exams, aspiring to get into a university.
At this point, I struggled with the story for a little while because of the introduction of so many new characters with foreign names that I wasn’t familiar with. However, I soon found them all to be colorful, interesting individuals, each with their own charming stories.
My favorite was Khadija, the sassy student from Somalia, who had fun bantering with Ava and called her Miss, saying she was posh and encouraged her to get a manicure and fancy acrylics! Ava was, indeed, always well-dressed in a pencil skirt and a nice button-down blouse, presenting the image of one who was reserved.
Khadija’s mother, Idil, was another interesting character, a very strong woman who had lost her husband in a car accident, was raising four children, putting herself towards a law degree and finding time to volunteer in the WIL program.
I hate leaving anyone out, and can’t introduce everyone, but I grew to love them all and the richness that they contributed to the book.
I do want to touch on the second chance romance since we all want HEA! When Sophia and Ava recognized each other at work, Ava didn’t acknowledge their previous meeting, barely even making eye contact. While Sophia was an open book, Ava preferred to be alone. That became her modus operandi!
It was some time before Ava began to melt enough to finally go out with a group of co-workers on a Friday evening. She and Sophia ended up alone, drinking wine on the balcony before ending up in a bed together. As good as they enjoyed their physical intimacies, Ava always continued to dismiss Sophia in future similar situations, leaving her hurt and confused.
Sophia was also troubled over being written off in a previous relationship and Ava knew her role in the cause of the ending of her former relationship. She was also dealing with the grief of her brother’s death. They both had to come to terms with issues and
it was heartwarming to follow these ladies as they found their way to love.
This was such s beautifully written, amazing book and a compelling read. I want to express my thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the advanced read copy.
November 22, 2023
I'm an even bigger Emily O'Beirne fan after reading this book
From the first chapter this book had my curiosity and interest peaked. As character meetings go, the one between main characters Sofia and Ava is pretty unique. Departures from norms in lesfic - like cookie-cutter types of characters with flashy high powered professions and lifestyles - are refreshing to read and something I appreciate; this book feels realistic and more down to earth than idealized so if that's what you're looking to read, this fits that bill very well.
This story is funny and touching where even the predictable or expected touchpoints of this kind of story are reached in entertaining or unexpected ways. Even the setting of Melbourne Australia, which may be familiar if you've read other lesfic writers who base their stories there, is depicted in a way I've not read before between the vast multiculturalism and some non stereotypical Aussie wildlife making itself known in a part of the city on a regular basis.
While the relationship between Sofia and Ava is the core focus of the story, other relationships of all kinds populate the book and are written with much realism, humor and insight whether they are between friends or family (blood or chosen). So many secondary characters stand out as favorites for me as they steal scenes and get some great lines to deliver at just the right time. There is angst and drama in the budding romance between Ava and Sofia with the two of them wanting different things and one being more resistant than the other to basking in the goodness when they are together. If you want a romance that takes its time to unfold and then blossom, mixed with a ton of great banter between characters this is well worth reading. If you're a fan of O'Beirne's other books, rest assured you're getting the same quality storytelling as with her YA books, just with mains in their thirties and a bunch of older secondary characters as well as some high school/university age kids. If you're new to her work then I recommend this book and all her other stories. She has a knack for writing stories that resonate on multiple levels and I eagerly look forward to reading whatever she publishes next.
From the first chapter this book had my curiosity and interest peaked. As character meetings go, the one between main characters Sofia and Ava is pretty unique. Departures from norms in lesfic - like cookie-cutter types of characters with flashy high powered professions and lifestyles - are refreshing to read and something I appreciate; this book feels realistic and more down to earth than idealized so if that's what you're looking to read, this fits that bill very well.
This story is funny and touching where even the predictable or expected touchpoints of this kind of story are reached in entertaining or unexpected ways. Even the setting of Melbourne Australia, which may be familiar if you've read other lesfic writers who base their stories there, is depicted in a way I've not read before between the vast multiculturalism and some non stereotypical Aussie wildlife making itself known in a part of the city on a regular basis.
While the relationship between Sofia and Ava is the core focus of the story, other relationships of all kinds populate the book and are written with much realism, humor and insight whether they are between friends or family (blood or chosen). So many secondary characters stand out as favorites for me as they steal scenes and get some great lines to deliver at just the right time. There is angst and drama in the budding romance between Ava and Sofia with the two of them wanting different things and one being more resistant than the other to basking in the goodness when they are together. If you want a romance that takes its time to unfold and then blossom, mixed with a ton of great banter between characters this is well worth reading. If you're a fan of O'Beirne's other books, rest assured you're getting the same quality storytelling as with her YA books, just with mains in their thirties and a bunch of older secondary characters as well as some high school/university age kids. If you're new to her work then I recommend this book and all her other stories. She has a knack for writing stories that resonate on multiple levels and I eagerly look forward to reading whatever she publishes next.
December 6, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this fun book
the weekend that ava experienced was something she would never experience again, a long weekend of pure unadulterated pleasure, a weekend when she didnt have to be herself but a sexual being enjoying someones body and their time... she could be anyone she wanted to be and she was.... and then she got on a plane to reality
sofia was busy busy busy not only was she running a tutoring program for migrant students, she was also trying to finish her own course work and look after her mother but her memories of a hot weekend were what kept her going
so imagine her surprise when asked to take some people around and the first person she sees is ava from that very same hot weekend.... though ava gives off vibes of the not friendly sort
sofia gets the message.. and so begins the slow thaw of ava... as sofia breaks down all of ava;s barriers but not before a lot of hurt and misunderstandings happen....
an interesting read that kept me entertained
the weekend that ava experienced was something she would never experience again, a long weekend of pure unadulterated pleasure, a weekend when she didnt have to be herself but a sexual being enjoying someones body and their time... she could be anyone she wanted to be and she was.... and then she got on a plane to reality
sofia was busy busy busy not only was she running a tutoring program for migrant students, she was also trying to finish her own course work and look after her mother but her memories of a hot weekend were what kept her going
so imagine her surprise when asked to take some people around and the first person she sees is ava from that very same hot weekend.... though ava gives off vibes of the not friendly sort
sofia gets the message.. and so begins the slow thaw of ava... as sofia breaks down all of ava;s barriers but not before a lot of hurt and misunderstandings happen....
an interesting read that kept me entertained
November 16, 2023
After reading the blurb for 'The Best Mistake,' I anticipated an exciting, sexy, second-chance romance. However, what unfolded was a deeply grief-driven narrative. While I appreciated the melting pot of cultures, the portrayal of awesome friendships, and the witty interactions with the students, the story felt somewhat repetitive. The main characters didn't truly get to know each other until about 80% into the narrative, which detracted from the romantic element. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
Emily O'Bierne is always a favorite for me and this time's no different. Engaging characters, one of those books where the work stuff is clearly familiar to the author or well researched, plus excellent side characters.
Read
January 23, 2024“casual” haunting me even in fiction
December 12, 2023
I have mixed feelings on this book. I liked the slow build to the emotional aspects of the relationship between Ava and Sofia. Although Sofia and Ava barely knew anything about each other’s personal lives for 70% of book. I liked the nuanced approach to depression and grief, and the long journey to healing. But I really didn’t like how indecisive and kinda cruel Ava was regarding her treatment of Sofia. She had a constant lack of regard for Sofia’s feelings and it made it hard for me to root for her in the first half of the book.
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